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Northern New York Community Foundation

Northern New York Community Foundation

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Community Foundation’s Youth Philanthropy Council Seeks Proposals for 2026 Grant Funding

November 7, 2025 By admin

Up to $25,000 Available to Support Tri-County Nonprofit Organizations

     WATERTOWN — The Northern New York Community Foundation’s Youth Philanthropy Council welcomes grant proposals from nonprofit organizations of all types for programs, projects, or initiatives that strengthen the quality of life in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.

     The Council will evaluate each proposal for a share of up to $25,000 in available grant funding. This opportunity is not limited to youth programs or initiatives.

     For consideration, completed grant applications must be submitted no later than Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. Council members will notify finalists selected to present proposals. The Council will recommend grants for funding to the Community Foundation’s board of directors. This past round, the Youth Philanthropy Council awarded five grants totaling $25,000 in support to nonprofit organizations that serve tri-county residents.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Recent News

Community Foundation’s Youth Philanthropy Council Names 2025-2026 Class, Announces Executive Committee

October 13, 2025 By admin

Students Welcome New and Returning Council Members from Six Jefferson County High Schools for Yearlong Leadership Program

     WATERTOWN — The Northern New York Community Foundation recently named its 2025-2026 Youth Philanthropy Council class, welcoming 12 new and five returning students to the leadership program.

     The Youth Philanthropy Council is a Community Foundation advisory committee that was chartered in 2010 to promote positive youth development and engage young people in meaningful activities that build their skills. Throughout the yearlong program, students deepen their understanding of community needs while learning about community philanthropy and its impact across Northern New York. Council members grow to become informed critical thinkers and philanthropic leaders as they engage in lessons that may never be taught in a traditional classroom.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Recent News

Community Foundation Announces Lewis County Historic Preservation Fund Grant Recipients

October 8, 2025 By admin

Three Organizations will Share $51,900 for Projects at Places of Historical Significance; Second Round of Funding Now Open

     WATERTOWN — Three local organizations will share $51,900 in grant funding from the Northern New York Community Foundation’s Lewis County Historic Preservation Fund for projects at places of historical significance.

     Earlier this year, the Community Foundation announced a funding opportunity of up to $100,000 to celebrate the rich historical heritage of Lewis County through support for historic preservation and restoration projects.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Recent News

Safe Schools Endeavor Seeks Grant Proposals from Jefferson, Lewis Schools for 2025-2026 Funding

October 7, 2025 By admin

Deadline to Submit Proposals for Funding Consideration is Friday, Nov. 7

     WATERTOWN — The Safe Schools Endeavor, in partnership with the Northern New York Community Foundation, encourages all schools in Jefferson and Lewis counties to apply for 2025-2026 grant funding. Projects, programs, and initiatives that seek to strengthen school safety and improve student and campus culture are eligible for funding consideration.

     School officials and representatives should complete applications no later than Friday, Nov. 7. All applications must be completed through the Community Foundation’s online grant portal, which may be accessed at bit.ly/grant-portal. Grant awards will be determined in December, and applicants will be notified with a funding decision no later than early January.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Recent News

Community Foundation’s Six Town Community Fund Now Accepting Proposals for 2025 Grant Funding

October 6, 2025 By admin

Up to $10,000 Available for Nonprofits Serving Southern Jefferson County Residents

     ADAMS — Nonprofit organizations serving southern Jefferson County residents may now apply for up to $10,000 in grant funding through the Six Town Community Fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation.

     This geographic fund provides support for local projects, programs, and initiatives that enhance the quality of life in the towns of Adams, Ellisburg, Henderson, Lorraine, Rodman, and Worth. Eligible organizations must actively serve residents of these communities. Requests may focus on assisting with local needs related to health and wellness, families and youth, arts and culture, history, education and more.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Recent News

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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

4,747

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

Meet Watertown High School freshman Blake Sweet.

For Blake, a community is string when “people help others stay on track and make sure they get help they need with food or even shelter.”

Blake is a Northern New York Community Foundation Community Spirit Youth Giving Challenge winner. He chose the Salvation Army of Watertown to receive a $1,000 grant for its work and mission to help others. 

“The Salvation Army helps people get warm in the winter and feeds them. If you can’t eat, you can get a good hot meal,” Blake wrote in his winning essay. “That is what community is — helping others in need.”

Blake recently met with Salvation Army Capt. Josh Morales and Corps Ministry Assistant Lisa Safford and presented a $1,000 Youth Giving Challenge grant that will help the Corps continue its work and mission. The grant is made possible by gifts to the Friends of the Foundation Community Betterment Annual Fund, corporate support from Community Bank, N.A. and a major gift from an individual donor.

Pictured, from left: Lisa Safford, Corps Ministry Assistant, Blake Sweet, Youth Giving Challenge winner and Watertown High freshman, and Capt. Josh Morales, Salvation Army Watertown Corps.

We are grateful to Blake for his thoughtful effort. We are even more impressed that he is one of dozens of tri-county youths who looked inside their communities to recognize an organization that works to improve quality of life. Blake is the son of Shermen Sweet Jr., Watertown. 

To current tri-county 7th- 8th- 9th- grade students, parents, and teachers: Dont miss the chance to enter this year’s $10,000 Youth Giving Challenge competition!

You could be like Blake and award a $1,000 grant to your favorite tri-county nonprofit organization. Apply by Friday, Feb. 13, at www.nnycf.org/givingchallenge

#NNYCF #SalvationArmyWatertown #Partners #YouthGivingChallenge #CommunitySpirit #Community

Meet Watertown High School freshman Blake Sweet.

For Blake, a community is string when “people help others stay on track and make sure they get help they need with food or even shelter.”

Blake is a Northern New York Community Foundation Community Spirit Youth Giving Challenge winner. He chose the Salvation Army of Watertown to receive a $1,000 grant for its work and mission to help others.

“The Salvation Army helps people get warm in the winter and feeds them. If you can’t eat, you can get a good hot meal,” Blake wrote in his winning essay. “That is what community is — helping others in need.”

Blake recently met with Salvation Army Capt. Josh Morales and Corps Ministry Assistant Lisa Safford and presented a $1,000 Youth Giving Challenge grant that will help the Corps continue its work and mission. The grant is made possible by gifts to the Friends of the Foundation Community Betterment Annual Fund, corporate support from Community Bank, N.A. and a major gift from an individual donor.

Pictured, from left: Lisa Safford, Corps Ministry Assistant, Blake Sweet, Youth Giving Challenge winner and Watertown High freshman, and Capt. Josh Morales, Salvation Army Watertown Corps.

We are grateful to Blake for his thoughtful effort. We are even more impressed that he is one of dozens of tri-county youths who looked inside their communities to recognize an organization that works to improve quality of life. Blake is the son of Shermen Sweet Jr., Watertown.

To current tri-county 7th- 8th- 9th- grade students, parents, and teachers: Don't miss the chance to enter this year’s $10,000 Youth Giving Challenge competition!

You could be like Blake and award a $1,000 grant to your favorite tri-county nonprofit organization. Apply by Friday, Feb. 13, at www.nnycf.org/givingchallenge

#NNYCF #SalvationArmyWatertown #Partners #YouthGivingChallenge #CommunitySpirit #Community
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This is terrific

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We are excited to share the Week 2 Scholarship Challenge Leaderboard!

In Jefferson County, LaFargeville Central is still in the lead with 30 percent student participation; In Lewis County, South Lewis Central held onto the lead with 22.54 percent student participation; and in St. Lawrence County, Colton-Pierrepont Central took the lead with 23.08 percent student participation.

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. 

The first round of grants will be determined in a Facebook Live event on Monday, February 23! That means schools have two more weeks to increase student participation to be eligible for the first round of Scholarship Challenge grants. 

Seniors: Do you plan to continue your education in college or trade or technical school? Complete the Community Foundation’s online common application at bit.ly/nnycf-scholarships today and help your school win!

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 2 Scholarship Challenge Leaderboard!

In Jefferson County, LaFargeville Central is still in the lead with 30 percent student participation; In Lewis County, South Lewis Central held onto the lead with 22.54 percent student participation; and in St. Lawrence County, Colton-Pierrepont Central took the lead with 23.08 percent student participation.

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.

The first round of grants will be determined in a Facebook Live event on Monday, February 23! That means schools have two more weeks to increase student participation to be eligible for the first round of Scholarship Challenge grants.

Seniors: Do you plan to continue your education in college or trade or technical school? Complete the Community Foundation’s online common application at bit.ly/nnycf-scholarships today and help your school win!

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

#NNYCF #ScholarshipChallenge #ClassOf2026 #FundingForYourFuture
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5 days ago
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You could win this, St. Lawrence County. Please fill out the application.

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PlayCommunity Foundation scholar Henry Goss

High school seniors: Be like Henry!

A 2025 Lowville Academy & Central School graduate, Henry was awarded $11,000 in Northern New York Community Foundation scholarship support to help study biochemistry at St. Lawrence University.

Complete your application for scholarship support today at bit.ly/nnycf-scholarships

#NNYCF #Scholarships #EducationalSupport #FundingYourFuture #ClassOf2026
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1 week ago
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