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…]

Non-profits organizations providing vital programs and services to citizens in the town of Clayton are encouraged to submit a grant application for consideration to receive support through the Dale Kenyon Community Fund. This geographic-specific fund was created in 2013 as a component fund administered by the Northern New York Community Foundation.

The Dale Kenyon Community Fund is designed to award grants annually to non-profit agencies enhancing the quality of life for residents in the town of Clayton. Three organizations received support totaling $5,000 in 2015. The recipients were: [Read more…]

The grant application for the Northern New York Community Foundation’s George R. Davis Fund for Lowville is now available. Mr. Davis spent most of his life as a Lowville resident and served as Lewis County judge for more than 20 years. Upon his death in 2010, Mr. Davis created a unique legacy by establishing a community fund that would benefit the citizens in the village and town of Lowville forever. A variety of local programs and projects have garnered support through this permanent philanthropic resource.

Six projects totaling $10,000 were awarded funding in 2015. The recipients were: [Read more…]