Non-profit organizations providing critical services to vulnerable populations in the Cape Vincent and Clayton communities are encouraged to apply for funding support through The Lighthouse Fund at the Northern New York Community Foundation.

The Lighthouse Fund is a geographic-specific fund that awards grants annually in perpetuity for projects, program and initiatives that meet vital community needs in the Cape Vincent and Clayton areas. The component fund was established in 2014 at the Community Foundation and distributed its first grants last year. The Cape Vincent and Clayton Council of Churches food pantries each received a $1,000 matching grant to build year-end support for their agencies. A $1,000 grant was also awarded to the Cape Vincent Improvement League to construct a community garden to grow fruits and vegetables to benefit the local food pantry. [Read more…]

The Northern New York Community Foundation recently awarded a $10,000 matching grant to establish an endowment fund for the American Maple Museum in Croghan. The museum is the seventh Lewis County non-profit organization or school district to create a permanent charitable fund through the Community Foundation to support their mission and purpose in the community. The Foundation will administer the fund for the museum.

“We are grateful to the Museum and welcome the opportunity to be a partner with them in providing additional options for their donors who take the long-term view of sustainability. This challenge grant should help give an added incentive for their most loyal supporters to help provide a mechanism for increased organizational strength,” said Rande S. Richardson, Community Foundation executive director.

The American Maple Museum was founded in 1977 to preserve the history and evolution of the North American maple industry. Several exhibits showcased at the museum feature a variety of maple syrup and sugar making techniques, as well local historical pieces. The museum also houses the International Maple Hall of Fame, which will hold its induction ceremony on May 14. The agency also offers programming for all ages.

The endowment will serve as a complementary charitable giving vehicle for donors interested in supporting the museum’s future. The Community Foundation will match a gift of any size, dollar-for-dollar, up to $10,000 for the museum’s fund. [Read more…]

Watertown Community Fund to be Started by Bequest from Watertown Mayor DeWitt Middleton

The Northern New York Community Foundation has awarded two grants totaling $55,000 to establish two funds to support current and future community enhancement projects. A $5,000 matching grant is being provided to help launch a drive to replicate the ornamental fencing that once surrounded the historic fountain in the center of Watertown’s Public Square. “I am honored to help lead this effort to enhance the civic pride in our historical downtown,” said Dr. Jason F. White, who is coordinating the endeavor. “We are excited to help partner in launching this grassroots citizen-led fundraising effort to continue to improve upon Downtown Watertown,” said Rande S. Richardson, Community Foundation director.

A $50,000 matching grant was awarded to establish a permanent geographic-specific Watertown Community Fund endowment to support future enhancement projects within the City as they arise. “It is hoped that, over time, this fund will grow with additional contributions from people, businesses and organizations who have a special place in their heart for Watertown,” Mr. Richardson. “This is something that can help support a broad range of projects that would not likely be funded by other means and will add to the quality of life here. It also provides a meaningful way to leave a legacy that will forever support Watertown,” he said. [Read more…]

The Northern New York Community Foundation encourages any non-profit organization or government entity to apply for up to $3,000 in grant funding for tree planting initiatives in the City of Watertown. Grant support is made possible through a fund established through the estate of Carolyn Whitney and a gift from T. Urling and Mabel B. Walker. Last year, funding was awarded to the city of Watertown to assist with tree planting projects at the Watertown City School District’s Learning Center and Immaculate Heart Central’s Intermediate School.

The deadline to submit a grant application for consideration is no later than April 22, 2016. For more information, please contact Max DelSignore, Community Foundation assistant director, at (315) 782-7110 or via email at max@nnycf.org. [Read more…]

The Northern New York Community Foundation invites non-profit organizations or government entities to apply for up to $20,000 in grant funding for any live orchestral music performances to be held in the Watertown area. The concerts must take place after September 1, 2016, but before July 31, 2017. The fund is made possible through the Community Foundation’s orchestral music endowment for Watertown area performances.

Organizations such as the Orchestra of Northern New York, Trinity Concert Series and Northern Choral Society received grant funding for performances during the 2015-2016 concert season. The performances also received additional support from the Community Foundation’s board-designated grantmaking fund. To be considered for grant funding, each orchestral entity must have at least 20 performers and include an instrumental component.

The deadline to submit a grant application for consideration is no later than April 22, 2016. For more information, please contact Max DelSignore, Community Foundation assistant director, at (315) 782-7110 or via email at max@nnycf.org. [Read more…]