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Northern New York Community Foundation

Northern New York Community Foundation

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    • 2026 Grant Opportunities
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    • Glenwood Cemetery Revitalization Campaign
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  • Programs
    • Community Spirit Youth Giving Challenge
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      • Canstruction for Northern New York 2026
    • LEAD Giving Circle

2026 Grant Opportunities

The Community Foundation stewards several charitable funds that award grants annually to support programs, projects, and initiatives that positively impact the quality of life across Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties. Funding opportunities are open to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.

We encourage nonprofits to review complete details on each funding opportunity here. Please check the link periodically for information on active grant applications, deadlines, available funding, contacts and more.

Ready to start a grant proposal? Apply for a Grant

Grant Programs

Community Support Fund
Purpose: Assist community-based food pantries and non-government-funded school-based programs with critical food supplies. This fund helps partner agencies and other nonprofit organizations in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties that provide essential needs for thousands of our neighbors. Food pantries, soup kitchens, and school backpack programs that have an affiliation with the Food Bank of Central New York (FBCNY) are encouraged to apply.
Grants determined: By Community Foundation on rolling basis

Micro-Grants Program
Purpose: Support for nonprofit organizations in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties with projects that align with the Foundation’s mission and demonstrate clear community benefit. Grant awards range from $500 to $2,500. Priority focus areas include, but are not limited to:

  • Bridge funding to support the start or completion of community projects
  • Catalyst funding to help leverage charitable support from the community
  • Programs/projects supporting targeted populations in need
  • Secure resources for nonprofit development (capacity building, governance, strategic planning, etc.)

Grants determined: By Community Foundation on rolling basis

Please check this page frequently for more information and updates on the Foundation’s grant program and funding opportunities for 2026.

Northern New York Community Foundation

131 Washington Street
Watertown, NY 13601

Phone: 315-782-7110
Fax: 315-782-0047

info@nnycf.org

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Northern New York Community Foundation

Northern New York Community Foundation

4,732

Working with donors to benefit the community through grants and scholarships since 1929.

We are excited to share the Week 1 Scholarship Challenge Leaderboard!

In Jefferson County, LaFargeville Central is in the lead; Lewis County’s leader is South Lewis Central; St. Lawrence County leader is Madrid-Waddington Central.

All schools have a chance to win Community Foundation grant funding by increasing student participation in the scholarship program to at least 25 percent of the senior class. 

Seniors who plan to continue their education in college or trade or technical school should complete the Community Foundation’s online common application at bit.ly/nnycf-scholarships today.

Learn more about this year’s challenge at: nnycf.org/scholarship-challenge-2026

#NNYCF #ScholarshipChallenge #ClassOf2026 #FundingForYourFutureImage attachmentImage attachment+1Image attachment

We are excited to share the Week 1 Scholarship Challenge Leaderboard!

In Jefferson County, LaFargeville Central is in the lead; Lewis County’s leader is South Lewis Central; St. Lawrence County leader is Madrid-Waddington Central.

All schools have a chance to win Community Foundation grant funding by increasing student participation in the scholarship program to at least 25 percent of the senior class.

Seniors who plan to continue their education in college or trade or technical school should complete the Community Foundation’s online common application at bit.ly/nnycf-scholarships today.

Learn more about this year’s challenge at: nnycf.org/scholarship-challenge-2026

#NNYCF #ScholarshipChallenge #ClassOf2026 #FundingForYourFuture
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13 hours ago
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BHCS peeps - this is a great scholarship opportunity!!

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DEADLINE EXTENDED — Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence county students wishing to participate in the Community Spirit Youth Giving Challenge now have until FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, to complete an application.

Seventh, eighth, and ninth graders, how would YOU award $10,000? Dont miss your chance to have a say in which tri-county nonprofits receive grant support.

Complete details, including how to enter: nnycf.org/challenge-deadline

#NNYCF #CommunitySpirit #YouthGivingChallenge #Leadership #Nonprofits

DEADLINE EXTENDED — Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence county students wishing to participate in the Community Spirit Youth Giving Challenge now have until FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, to complete an application.

Seventh, eighth, and ninth graders, how would YOU award $10,000? Don't miss your chance to have a say in which tri-county nonprofits receive grant support.

Complete details, including how to enter: nnycf.org/challenge-deadl#NNYCFN#CommunitySpiritp#YouthGivingChallengel#leadershipr#nonprofitsofits
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2 days ago
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We are pleased to announce the Community Foundation’s new “Grants for Good” program for tri-county organizations seeking funding support.

The Foundation is introducing “Grants for Good” in each county to encourage nonprofits to submit a funding request that directly impacts their mission and quality of life for residents in each region. The program application and format mirrors the Foundation’s previous “General Grant Program.”

Nonprofit organizations serving residents of Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties are encouraged to apply by Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, for first quarter funding consideration.

Complete details below.

#NNYCF #CommunityFoundation #GrantsForGood #Nonprofits #GrantFunding
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Community Foundation Launches Tri-County ‘Grants for Good’ Program

www.nnycf.org

Community Foundation Launches Tri-County ‘Grants for Good’ Program January 26, 2026 By admin Applications for funding due February 20 for first-quarter review WATERTOWN — The Northern New York C...
4 days ago
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