Community philanthropy has played a major role in the growth, transformation and evolution of Northern New York. Generations of individuals, families, organizations, businesses and others have demonstrated philanthropy in many forms to help create the identity for area communities in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.

To share and preserve stories of community philanthropy, the Northern New York Community Foundation and WPBS-DT have launched the “Northern New York Community Podcast: Stories from the Heart of Our Community.” The media project features a series of individual interviews about personal and citizen philanthropy and its meaningful impact in the North Country.

“We feel strongly that capturing the diverse stories of those who have chosen to make a difference is important. It serves to not only preserve and celebrate the North Country’s great tradition of civic responsibility, but it also serves to be an enduring inspirational force for future generations as they contemplate the ways they will make help change our communities for the better,” said Rande S. Richardson, Community Foundation executive director.

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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, 2017, but before July 31, 2018. The fund is made possible through the Community Foundation’s orchestral music endowment for Watertown area performances.

Eligible organizations for this funding opportunity must have at least 20 performers and are required to have an instrumental component. Past recipients include the Orchestra of Northern New York, Trinity Concert Series, and Northern Choral Society among others for their respective concert seasons or local performances in Watertown. The deadline to submit a grant application for consideration is no later than April 21, 2017. For more information, please contact Max DelSignore, Community Foundation assistant director, at (315) 782-7110 or via email at max@nnycf.org.

The Northern New York Community Foundation makes grants to support the work of non-profit organizations and provides scholarships to individuals in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties. The Foundation has been built and added to from gifts (both while living and through their legacy plans) by individuals and organizations committed to meeting the changing needs of Northern New York, as well as supporting specific charitable interests and passions.

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 North Elementary School and Watertown High School. Nearly 40 new trees were planted on the two campuses.

The deadline to submit a grant application for consideration is no later than April 21, 2017. For more information, please contact Max DelSignore, Community Foundation assistant director, at (315) 782-7110 or via email at max@nnycf.org.

The Northern New York Community Foundation makes grants to support the work of non-profit organizations and provides scholarships to individuals in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties. The Foundation has been built and added to from gifts (both while living and through their legacy plans) by individuals and organizations committed to meeting the changing needs of Northern New York, as well as supporting specific charitable interests and passions.

The Evergreen STEM Scholarship Fund application through the Northern New York Community Foundation is now available to juniors attending high school in St. Lawrence County.

The scholarship was established by Massena natives and Gouverneur residents Charles and Higouhi Owens to inspire high school students to pursue continued studies and careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) areas. The fund will award up to $30,000 in scholarships this year. Last year, ten students from nine St. Lawrence County high schools each received a $3,000 scholarship towards their first year in college.

“Because of the generosity of a St. Lawrence County couple, this unique program offers students a jump start on solidifying their plans to enter a career in the STEM fields. Both the donors and we are optimistic that we will see a strong pool of candidates for this year’s awards,” said Rande S. Richardson, Community Foundation executive director.

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The Northern New York Community Foundation is currently accepting application packets from students residing in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties for a variety of scholarships. Since 1980, the Community Foundation has awarded more than $14.5 million in scholarship awards to students living in the tri-county region.

“Investment in education has always been a core component of the Foundation’s history and heritage and many new scholarships have been established by donors in all three counties. We hope to have as many applicants as possible this year,” said Rande S. Richardson, Community Foundation executive director.

Scholarship application packets can be downloaded and printed from the Community Foundation’s website: www.nnycf.org. Completed application packets must be returned to the Foundation, or postmarked, by April 1, 2017. The packets are required to include a student’s application, essay, appraisal forms, references and transcript(s).

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