Funding Requests from Tri-County Nonprofits Increase 13 Percent

     WATERTOWN —  The Youth Philanthropy Council of the Northern New York Community Foundation has awarded $20,000 in grants to five North Country nonprofit organizations that will support a wide range of community programs and projects.

    Each year, the Council reviews requests from tri-county nonprofits to fund projects or initiatives that positively impact the quality of life in Jefferson, Lewis, or St. Lawrence counties. In addition to researching and recommending grants, Council members visit several nonprofit organizations, learn about grantee stewardship, community investment and leadership, and nonprofit sustainability.

    The Council received 27 funding proposals during the 2021-2022 program year with six agencies invited to present requests to the full Council. Members delivered grant recommendations to the Community Foundation Board of Directors during its recent quarterly meeting and the Board unanimously approved the full slate of grants. 

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Pair of Seniors Honored as Top Graduating Athletes During Annual WHS Awards Event

     WATERTOWN — Two Watertown High School seniors were honored Thursday evening as the top graduating athletes and recipients of the William I. Graf Award. Tatum Overton was selected as the women’s recipient, and Deante Hall was named as the men’s honoree this year.

    The William I. Graf Award was created in 1954 by the Italian-American Civic Association to honor Mr. Graf’s leadership and civic engagement in the community. The Northern New York Community Foundation was selected to help continue the Graf family legacy by administering the fund in perpetuity and raising awareness of the award for students who strive to earn the prestigious honor.

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Up to $20,000 Available for Nonprofits Serving the Greater Potsdam Area

     POTSDAM — Nonprofit organizations that serve the greater Potsdam area may now apply for 2022 grant funding from the John and Dorotha VanNess Family Fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation.

     The John and Dorotha VanNess Family Fund is a permanent grantmaking fund stewarded by the Northern New York Community Foundation that will forever support programs, activities, and initiatives to advance the quality of life in the Potsdam community. This year, up to $20,000 in grant funding is available to eligible nonprofits.

     Successful projects, programs or initiatives should exhibit a clear plan for implementation and an explanation of meaningful impact. Areas of focus include, but are not limited to, health and wellness, arts and culture, economic development, recreational programs, community revitalization and beautification, and more. To date, $24,000 in grant funding has been awarded to support eight different projects that benefit Potsdam residents.

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All Eligible Agencies Encouraged to Apply Online by July 22

     WATERTOWN — Nonprofit organizations within Jefferson County are encouraged to review current programs and initiatives and consider applying for grant funding from the Jefferson Economic Development Fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation.

     The Jefferson Economic Development Fund was established to support programs, projects, and efforts that help stimulate economic development and promote general welfare in Jefferson County. The Community Foundation invites nonprofit leaders to think creatively and broadly about their current programs or new initiatives and identify a link between their work and how it positively impacts Jefferson County’s economic development.

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Applications for Several Other Unique Educational Opportunities Also Due Next Week

     WATERTOWN — Students from Jefferson, Lewis, or St. Lawrence counties who have had a break in post-secondary education and are returning to school should apply by next Wednesday, June 1, for the Northern New York Community Foundation’s Nontraditional Student Scholarship.

     Eligible students include all who are enrolling in academic study at a two- or four-year college or trade, vocational, or technical school, either full or part time. Applications must be made through the Foundation’s online scholarship portal accessed at nnycf.org. 

     Next Wednesday is also the deadline for a handful of unique scholarship opportunities at the Community Foundation, including:

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