Community Foundation to Steward Charitable Funds to Help With Project

     WATERTOWN — Considered by many to be one of the most important historical landmarks in our region and of Watertown’s Public Square, the First Baptist Church and its iconic clock tower is suffering from years of weather-related issues and neglect.

     The current stone structure, built in 1891, has held a very prominent place in our community for more than a century. In 1898, a clock — one that still monitors time to this day — and a bell weighing 2,500 pounds, were placed its tower. The total clock project cost at that time was made possible through contribution by local citizens.

[Read more…]

Pair of Grants are First Awards from New Community Foundation Geographic-Specific Fund

     WATERTOWN — A pair of grant awards from The Community Fund for Theresa totaling $5,340 will support a new outdoor recreation challenge and provide scholarships for local youths to attend 4-H Camp Wabasso this summer.

     The Community Fund for Theresa is a permanent grantmaking fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation that will forever support programs, activities, and initiatives to advance the general welfare of the Theresa community. Lifelong Theresa residents Russell I. and Mary Wilcox established this family legacy fund at the Community Foundation in 2020 to help strengthen the quality of life in their community. 

[Read more…]

Five Tri-County Organizations Will Share $5,000 in Grant Support to Strengthen Efforts

     WATERTOWN — The Youth Philanthropy Council of the Northern New York Community Foundation has awarded $5,000 in grant support to five North Country nonprofit organizations to strengthen their work and missions in the nonprofit sector.

     The Council and its grant subcommittee selected the five organizations based on each nonprofit’s mission, success in achieving goals, demonstration of fiscal responsibility, sustainability, and formal presentation. Funding for this important work was made possible through the Herring College Memorial Fund of the Community Foundation. Each of the following tri-county organizations were awarded a $1,000 grant to help with a wide range of community programs and projects:

[Read more…]

$10,000 in Support Aids Henderson Harbor Performing Arts Association, Watertown First

     WATERTOWN — The Jefferson Economic Development Fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation has awarded $10,000 in grant funding to support a pair of community projects aimed at strengthening local tourist destinations.

     A $5,000 award to the Henderson Harbor Performing Arts Association will support a feasibility study to examine the potential for community enhancements in arts and culture, specifically, the development of the Mark Hopkins Inn site for a performing arts venue. The arts association is collaborating with a seasonal resident and longtime professional affiliated with performing arts in Central New York to determine the feasibility of this infrastructure project. The association is also working with the Town of Henderson and the Henderson Business & Community Council to create a performing arts tourist destination that could strengthen economic development in Southern Jefferson County’s Six Town region.

[Read more…]

Up to $50,000 in Available for Nonprofits Serving Three Communities

     WATERTOWN — Nonprofit organizations that serve Boonville, Constableville, and Westernville residents should apply by Friday, April 22, for 2022 grant support through the Kenneth V. and Jeannette Remp Sawyer Community Fund at the Northern New York Community Foundation.

     The fund was established in 2018 to support programs, projects and initiatives that broadly impact the quality of life in Boonville, Constableville, and Westernville. The Northern New York Community Foundation administers this permanent, charitable legacy fund that makes grant awards annually. This year, up to $50,000 in grant funding is available.

     In 2021, 11 projects were awarded grant funding totaling $46,400 that include: 

[Read more…]