Support will continue Thanksgiving meal tradition and aid purchase of new van

     WATERTOWN — The Northern New York Community Foundation is pleased to announce a total of $19,000 in grant funding for the Salvation Army Watertown Corps. Of that, $4,000 is to provide for the annual Thanksgiving Day meal open to all community members in need at the State Street facility.

    The support is made possible thanks to the generosity of Community Foundation donors who give to the Community Support Fund and the Friends of the Foundation Community Betterment Annual Fund. A portion of the funding is also supported by the LaVerne R. VanDeWall Jr. Legacy Fund and the Allen L. and Martha M. Smith Community Fund.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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