SHERBURNE – The Save the Sherburne Inn Restoration Project, an nonprofit group bent on restoring the Sherburne Inn to its former glory, is getting a tremendous boost in private contributions thanks to a recent grant announced by NBT Bank.

NBT announced this week a $25,000 matching grant commitment to the Save the Sherburne Inn Restoration Project (SSIRP), bringing the nonprofit organization to nearly $1.3 million for rehabilitation of the 98-year-old building on the corner of W. State Street and S. Main in the Village of Sherburne.

“We’re thrilled that NBT Bank has stepped into the role of lead donor among local corporations,” stated Kathleen Yasas, President of the nine-member SSIRP Board. “We’re very grateful to NBT Bank for this generous commitment and hope individuals and businesses will step forward to help us raise our $25,000 match.”

Yasas noted that grant stipulations require the match to come from other private donors, whether they be individuals, businesses or other corporations. SSIRP cannot, however, use grant funds from public entities or foundations to leverage the $25,000 match.

Said NBT Bank Territory Manager Thomas Sutton, “NBT Bank is committed to supporting the local communities we serve. We are pleased to partner with the Save the Sherburn Inn Restoration Project to help them reach their goal of restoring the historic Sherburne Inn.”

Sutton said the Inn is a “vital part of Sherburne’s history” worthy of the effort.