Up to $100,000 in grant funding available this calendar year
WATERTOWN — The Community Foundation’s CAR-FRESHNER Corporation Charitable Fund welcomes applications for second-quarter grant support. The deadline to apply for second-quarter consideration is Friday, May 29.
The CAR-FRESHNER Corporation Charitable Fund is designed to support community programs, projects and initiatives that broadly strengthen communities across Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties. Up to $100,000 in funding is available for 2026. Organizations receiving funding in 2025 are not eligible to reapply this year.
The Community Foundation stewards the fund and manages grantmaking on behalf of the company.
“We are excited to partner with CAR-FRESHNER again this year to help make meaningful investments that support the work of local organizations and affect the lives of residents,” said Rande S. Richardson, Community Foundation executive director. “We encourage potential grantees to consider ways that this can help advance programs, projects or initiatives that impact communities and align with the fund’s objectives.”
Applications must focus on programs or initiatives including, but not limited to, arts and culture, education, history, health and wellness, human services, recreation, and projects that enhance the quality of life for residents of Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.
Nonprofit organizations that meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply for consideration:
- The organization must provide services that are available to the general public.
- Grants are intended for specific projects or initiatives, not ongoing operational costs.
- Funding is not available for fundraising events or event sponsorships.
- Qualified organizations seeking support from the CAR-FRESHNER Corporation Charitable Fund may submit only one application per year and must apply through the Community Foundation’s online grant portal.
The deadline for second-quarter 2026 grant applications is Friday, May 29, 2026.
Applications for funding will also be accepted in two additional rounds this year with proposals due July 17 for third-quarter consideration and October 23 for fourth-quarter awards. Visit bit.ly/grant-portal to access the Community Foundation’s online grant portal.
About the Northern New York Community Foundation
Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.
Through partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous families and individual donors, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an endowment and collection of funds that benefit the region. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving and honoring legacies of community philanthropy while inspiring others.
The Community Foundation is a resource for local charitable organizations, donors, professional advisors and nonprofit organizations. It also works to bring people together at its permanent home in the Northern New York Philanthropy Center to discuss challenges our communities face and find creative solutions that strengthen the region and make it a great place to live, work, and play.