The Northern New York Community Foundation stewards a number of charitable funds designed to award grants that support nonprofit organization programs, projects and initiatives positively impacting the quality of life across Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.
The following grant opportunities are currently active at the Community Foundation:
Jefferson County Economic Development Fund
Region served: Jefferson County
Description: This charitable fund awards grants to eligible nonprofit organizations that will support programs, projects and initiatives which demonstrate clear public benefit and promote economic development and general welfare in the Jefferson County region. The fund encourages nonprofit organizations think creatively and broadly when examining their programs and services and identify a correlation between their work and economic development in the community. Examples may include, but are not limited to: Workforce development, initiatives improving general community health, strengthening access to arts, culture and education opportunities, and more.
Funding Available: Up to $10,000
Application Available: Summer 2020
Deadline: October 23, 2020
Grants determined: December 2020
Contact: Max DelSignore (max@nnycf.org)
Six Town Community Fund
Region served: Southern Jefferson County towns of Adams, Ellisburg, Henderson, Lorraine, Rodman and Worth
Description: This charitable fund supports programs, projects and activities that enhance the quality of life in the Six Town region. The Six Town area encompasses Adams, Ellisburg, Henderson, Lorraine, Rodman and Worth. This grant opportunity is available for any nonprofit organization serving the residents of the Six Town area.
Funding Available: Up to $5,000
Application Available: Summer 2020
Deadline: October 23, 2020
Grants determined: December 2020
Contact: Max DelSignore (max@nnycf.org)
Daniel J. Briggs Fund for Integrity
Region served: Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties
Description: The mission and charitable purpose of this charitable fund is to provide support for bullying prevention and character education programs, as well as professional development opportunities, to administrators, teachers, staff and employees of school districts in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties. Program examples meeting these criteria may focus on, but are not limited to, leadership, student responsibility, respect, and trust for the community.
Funding Available: Up to $1,000
Application Available: Summer 2020
Deadline: October 23, 2020
Grants determined: December 2020
Contact: Max DelSignore (max@nnycf.org)
John and Dorotha VanNess Family Fund
Region served: Greater Potsdam
Description: This family legacy fund was established to provide grant funding to nonprofit organizations creating and promoting programs, activities, and initiatives positively impacting citizens and the general welfare of the greater Potsdam area. Nonprofit organizations may apply in support of one or more of the following community needs sectors: Health and wellness, arts and culture, economic development, education, recreational programs, community revitalization and beautification, strategic planning and research, other quality-of-life projects and opportunities.
Funding Available: Up to $10,000
Application Available: Summer 2020
Deadline: October 23, 2020
Grants determined: December 2020
Contact: Kraig Everard (kraig@nnycf.org)
Youth Philanthropy Council Grant Program
Region served: Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties
Description: The Youth Philanthropy Council of the Community Foundation is an advisory council of high school students empowered to recommend and award grants to nonprofit organizations serving residents of all ages in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties. Nonprofits involved in arts and culture, health and wellness, human services, education, conversation and the environment, and other community focus areas are encouraged to apply.
Funding Available: Up to $20,000
Application available: Fall 2020
Grants determined: June 2021
Contact: Mary Perrine (maryp@nnycf.org)
Rock Charitable Fund
Region served: St. Lawrence County
Description: Support for the maintenance and preservation of churches and cemeteries in St. Lawrence County; for the preservation and maintenance of places of legitimate historical significance in the county; and to benefit and/or assist veterans of the Unites States military who reside in St. Lawrence County.
Funding available: Up to $100,000
Deadline: September 4, 2020
Grants determined: December 2020
Grantees notified: The Community Foundation will notify all applicants of the status of grant applications no later than January 15, 2021
Contact: Kraig Everard (kraig@nnycf.org)
LEAD Impact Grant Program
Region served: Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties
Description: The LEAD Council of the Northern New York Community Foundation determines a strategic focus to address key community needs across the region. The grant focus and will be announced in the spring. A grant application will become available at that time and eligible nonprofit organizations with a mission aligning with the grant focus are encouraged to apply
Funding available: Up to $25,000
Deadline: TBD
Contact: Max DelSignore (max@nnycf.org)
Kenneth V. and Jeannette Remp Sawyer Community Fund
Region served: Boonville, Constableville and Westernville
Description: Support for programs, projects and initiatives that enhance the quality of life for residents of all ages who live in the region noted above
Status: Closed
Grants determined: June 2020
Contact: Max DelSignore (max@nnycf.org)
Orchestral Fund
Region served: Watertown area
Description: Support for orchestral performances taking place in the region noted above. Eligible nonprofit organizations are required to have at least 20 performers in the group with an instrumental component
Status: Closed
Grants determined: June 2020
Contact: Max DelSignore (max@nnycf.org)
George R. Davis Fund for Lowville
Region served: Village and Town of Lowville
Description: Support for programs, projects and initiatives that impact the quality of life for residents of the village and town of Lowville
Status: Closed
Grants determined: June 2020
Contact: Max DelSignore (max@nnycf.org)
The Lighthouse Fund
Region served: Clayton, Cape Vincent and surrounding St. Lawrence River-area communities
Description: Support for nonprofit organizations providing services to vulnerable populations residing in the region noted above
Status: Closed
Grants determined: June 2020
Contact: Max DelSignore (max@nnycf.org)
Carolyn Whitney Fund
Region served: City of Watertown
Description: Support tree-planting projects or initiatives in the city of Watertown
Status: Closed
Grants determined: June 2020
Contact: Max DelSignore (max@nnycf.org)
Safe Schools Endeavor Fund
Region served: Jefferson and Lewis counties
Description: Support for programs, projects or initiatives to improve safety within a public or private school should. Proposals that are student-led or involve close collaboration with students may receive additional weight as funding is considered.
Application: Available in 2021
Contact: Erika Flint, steering committee chairwoman (eflint@fdrhpo.org)
Learn more: Click here to view and download a Safe Schools Endeavor program brochure.