The Challenge

Extremes of temperature and humidity year-round are damaging the beautiful and historic WCA house and limiting utilization by members and the community. 

No insulation in the attic means . . .

• High winter heating bills due to heat loss through the attic and roof.
• Low use of the house in summer due to high temperatures and humidity.
• High heat load and transfer from the attic to the interior in summer.

No cooling or dehumidification system in the building means . . .

• Alternating expansion and contraction damage wood and plaster.
• Decreased community use and rentals of the building.
  

The Solution

Your generous donations to Giving Tuesday 2025 will be used toward the following projects.

Current Status

We have already made great progress with this project!

We have applied for and are awaiting a funding decision on a federal grant for insulating the attic.

We need to raise approximately $3,175 in matching funds if we receive the requested grant of $9,525.

Because of the importance of this project, the Board has decided to go ahead with the attic insulation. Based on a quote from a local company, we will need approximately $12,700 to complete the project if we do not receive the federal grant.

We have been awarded a $74,625 grant from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation for the installation of air conditioning. 

We need to provide $25,000 matching funds to be able to receive that grant.

Nearly $10,000 has been raised toward matching funds for that grant from Giving Tuesday 2024 and other donations. Thank you!!! So, $15,000 more is needed. 

We also require an additional $15,000 for professional consulting help with preparation of documents to elicit bids for the A/C project, review of bids received from contractors and oversight of the installation of the A/C to ensure compliance with historic preservation and proper engineering. 

Current economic conditions may lead to higher bids that the initial one we obtained to submit the grant application, necessitating additional funds. 

How can you help?

By giving to the Woman's Club of Albany's "House Preservation and Climate Control Project" during the Giving Tuesday 2025 initiative!

WCA members have very generously pledged $10,000 in matching funds!

• Your donations will be matched up to a total of $10,000. Help us get these funds and hit the $20,000 mark!
  
• We are seeking gifts from members, friends and other donors. Please ask friends if they might contribute something to this worthy cause. You might consider raising funds on your social media sites. 
  
• Ask if your employer or a family member's employer has matching funds. 
  
• If you have a personal contact or know of a business that you think might be interested in supporting the well-being of women and children or historic preservation, please let us know. We can reach out to them with materials and information about the WCA and this project.

You can contribute to this project by:

• Mailing a check to the Woman's Club of Albany at 725 Madison Avenue, Albany, NY 12208.
• Donating on our website womansclubofalbany.com and paying by card.
• Dedicating your gift in memory or honor of someone you love, admire or are grateful for. 
  
• Helping with this project with materials development, communications or outreach. Please contact Susan Gould Fogerite or Gloria Russo. Any help, including an hour of your time or ideas, is welcome and appreciated! Check the WCA website calendar for our next Development meeting on Zoom.