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Northern New York Community Foundation

Northern New York Community Foundation

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Lighthouse Fund Announces Support for St. Lawrence River Area Nonprofits

August 31, 2021 By admin

Nearly $2,000 Awarded to Aid Vulnerable Populations in Cape Vincent and Clayton Communities

     WATERTOWN — A pair of St. Lawrence River-area organizations that serve Clayton and Cape Vincent residents will share $1,750 in 2021 grant funding from the Lighthouse Fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation.

     Established in 2014, the Lighthouse Fund is a geographic-specific charitable resource for local nonprofits that provide critical programs and services to underserved and vulnerable populations in the two St. Lawrence River communities. Nonprofit organizations that conduct programs, projects, or initiatives to assist all residents are eligible to apply for support through this fund annually. 

     “Through generous donor support, this fund continues to make a meaningful difference within specific geographic impact. We are grateful to all who contribute to this permanent fund that will endure,” said Rande Richardson, Community Foundation executive director.

     The Cape Vincent Community Food Pantry will receive $1,000 to extend its assistance to the vulnerable population in Cape Vincent and several neighboring communities. In recent months, the pantry has worked to build relationships to serve targeted populations that include military veterans and Thousand Islands Central School students.

     Clayton’s Hawn Memorial Library will receive a $750 grant to add outdoor seating to accommodate patrons visiting the property who need to connect to the library’s wireless internet. Many patrons rely on the library to access the internet to complete research, submit job applications, schoolwork assignments, and access public benefits online. Outdoor seating will create a safe and comfortable place for patrons to access the internet during all hours of the day.

     Cape Vincent and Clayton-area nonprofits will have an opportunity to apply for 2022 funding in next April. Complete information and application instructions will be announced early next year.

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.

Filed Under: Recent News

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

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

We are pleased to announce the launch of the Potsdam Community Fund, a new charitable endowed fund established in partnership with donors who share a strong commitment to the Potsdam area.

Thanks to the generosity of founding donors and Potsdam natives David and Ellen Wagner who provided a $250,000 establishing gift, the fund will begin grantmaking this year.

The new Potsdam Community Fund is a permanent philanthropic resource that will support projects, programs, and initiatives that enhance the quality of life in the Potsdam area.

In this inaugural year, the Northern New York Community Foundation is excited to announce that it has awarded an additional $100,000 as a matching grant, which means all new gifts to the Potsdam Community Fund will be doubled, dollar-for-dollar.

Those who wish to join in supporting the fund may make a secure online gift at bit.ly/PotsdamCF or by mail to: Potsdam Community Fund, c/o Northern New York Community Foundation, 131 Washington St., Watertown, NY 13601.

Complete details: nnycf.org/potsdam-community-fund

#NNYCF #PCF #potsdam #communityfund #ThoughtfulGiving
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Community Foundation launches Potsdam Community Fund in partnership with Potsdam natives and founding donors

nnycf.org

Community Foundation launches Potsdam Community Fund in partnership with Potsdam natives and founding donors June 29, 2026 By admin Permanent charitable resource for Potsdam will help strengthen quali...
22 hours ago
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Attention parents, teachers, and youth leaders: Do you know a Jefferson County student who will be a high school freshman this fall?

The Community Foundation is hosting its first summer Youth Philanthropy Experience the week of July 27 and there’s still room for students to secure a seat!

This unique weeklong summer experience is exclusively for students who live in Jefferson County and are entering ninth grade this fall. Participants will learn about giving back to their community through volunteerism, leadership, grantmaking, and other ways they can help nonprofit organizations working to strengthen our communities.

Hear all the details in a Tunes Ninetytwofive interview with Community Foundation Philanthropy Associate Emily Pfeil at on.soundcloud.com/KIihmt5qgNe0Q2PNpO

Interested students should visit nnycf.org/summer-ype to obtain an application and apply today.

#NNYCF #Leadership #YouthDevelopment #SummerExperience #YPE #YPC
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Summer Youth Philanthropy Experience

nnycf.org

Summer Youth Philanthropy Experience Advisor Leslie Renzi, far right, leads Youth Philanthropy Council students in a team-building activity in 2023. (Kara Dry Photography) New Summer ‘Youth Philanth...
6 days ago
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Congratulations to Sackets Harbor senior Tanner J. Antonson, the 2026 recipient of the Northern New York Community Foundation Laurie Renzi Gadsden Award.

Ranked seventh in his class, Tanner was awarded a $1,000 Community Foundation scholarship during the districts High School Academic Recognition night this month. He plans to attend the University of New Haven, Connecticut, this fall to study forensic science.

Tanner also completed the criminal justice program at Jeff-Lewis BOCES and was active in the student-led program Skills USA. He aspires to work in the criminal justice field as a forensic investigator. Tanner is the son of Michelle Lunderman, Sackets Harbor.

Given by Gabriel Renzi and Dr. Eugene and Joyce Renzi and family, the Laurie Renzi Gadsden Award was established at the Community Foundation in 2022 in Laurie’s memory to honor her life and perpetuate her legacy of kindness and positivity. A school guidance counselor, Laurie passed away in August 2021 at the age of 57.

Pictured, from left: Laurie’s mother, Joyce Renzi; award recipient Tanner Antonson; Laurie’s sister, Jennifer Renzi Kelly, and Jennifer’s husband, Bo Kelly.

We are grateful to the Renzi family for choosing us as the permanent home of Laurie’s legacy and this meaningful award that embodies her character.

#NNYCF #ThoughtfulLegacies #SacketsPatriots #CLassOf2026

Congratulations to Sackets Harbor senior Tanner J. Antonson, the 2026 recipient of the Northern New York Community Foundation Laurie Renzi Gadsden Award.

Ranked seventh in his class, Tanner was awarded a $1,000 Community Foundation scholarship during the district's High School Academic Recognition night this month. He plans to attend the University of New Haven, Connecticut, this fall to study forensic science.

Tanner also completed the criminal justice program at Jeff-Lewis BOCES and was active in the student-led program Skills USA. He aspires to work in the criminal justice field as a forensic investigator. Tanner is the son of Michelle Lunderman, Sackets Harbor.

Given by Gabriel Renzi and Dr. Eugene and Joyce Renzi and family, the Laurie Renzi Gadsden Award was established at the Community Foundation in 2022 in Laurie’s memory to honor her life and perpetuate her legacy of kindness and positivity. A school guidance counselor, Laurie passed away in August 2021 at the age of 57.

Pictured, from left: Laurie’s mother, Joyce Renzi; award recipient Tanner Antonson; Laurie’s sister, Jennifer Renzi Kelly, and Jennifer’s husband, Bo Kelly.

We are grateful to the Renzi family for choosing us as the permanent home of Laurie’s legacy and this meaningful award that embodies her character.

#NNYCF #ThoughtfulLegacies #SacketsPatriots #CLassOf2026
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1 week ago
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Congratulations, Tanner!!

Congratulations 👏

Congratulations

Congratulations! 🎉

Congratulations Tanner!

Congratulations Tanner!

Congratulations Tanner.

Congratulations, Tanner!! 🎉🌟 Well deserved!!

Congratulations Tanner!! 🎉

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