A licensed massage therapist from Canton and a host and producer of a WPBS-TV show from Antwerp recently received funding from the Maxine M. Quigg Women in Business Fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation.

Nine women were recently awarded funding totaling nearly $8,000 to support a wide range of entrepreneurial and professional development pursuits during a reception at The Strand in downtown Watertown. 

The local recipients are Christine Darrow, Antwerp, who is the host and executive producer of the WPBS-TV show “Christine the History Queen.” She was awarded funding for public speaking and branding coaching; and Jennifer Girard, Canton, a licensed massage therapist at JAG Massage Therapy. Grant funding will help her earn an associate degree in massage therapy.

Maxine was a successful real estate broker and a community and business leader in Jefferson County who passed away unexpectedly in April 2021. At the time of her passing she was serving on the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Through access to grants for education, training, and entrepreneurship, the fund supports the advancement, development, and betterment of women who are beginning or growing a business in Northern New York. In doing so, women may be better positioned and equipped to realize their full potential for themselves, their families, and their community.

Since it began awarding grant funding in 2022, twenty-five tri-county women have received support totaling nearly $25,000 from the fund.

Applications for 2027 funding through the Maxine Quigg Women in Business Fund of the Community Foundation will open in the spring with awards made in the summer. Contact Emily Pfeil, Community Foundation philanthropy associate, emily@nnycf.org, or 315-782-7110, to obtain an application for this opportunity and learn more.