Grant Awards Totaling $11,000 Assist Efforts Focused on Arts, Culture, and Youth

     POTSDAM — More than a decade after they passed, John and Dorotha VanNess continue to strengthen the Potsdam community they generously served in their lifetimes.

     Through a trio of new grant awards that impact the Potsdam area, John and Dorotha’s commitment to the community endures. The John and Dorotha VanNess Family Fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation recently approved $11,000 in support for three nonprofits that deliver arts, culture, and youth-based programs. 

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Opportunity for $5,000 in Funding Open to All Tri-County Nonprofit Organizations

     WATERTOWN — Nonprofit organizations that serve residents of Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties are encouraged to apply for the 2022 Watertown Sunrise Rotary Foundation Taste of the Town grant as the one-day community event returns to Jefferson Community College for the first time since 2019. The Watertown Sunrise Rotary Club Foundation is a charitable fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation.

     “We are thrilled to safely bring this event back to an in-person format after the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to cancel it the past two years,” said Kraig Everard, Watertown Sunrise Rotary Club president. “We encourage all eligible North Country nonprofits to apply for grant support. Watertown Sunrise Rotary’s mission is ‘Service Above Self.’ By offering local nonprofit organizations this one-time grant, Sunrise Rotary creates a lasting partnership with them.”

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Tri-County Students Have More Opportunities for Foundation Support Than Ever Before

     WATERTOWN — High School seniors in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties have less than a week remaining to apply for Community Foundation freshman scholarships.

     Members of the graduating class of 2022 who plan to enroll in post-secondary programs this fall must complete their applications through the Community Foundation’s online scholarship portal by Tuesday, March 15. The application portal may be accessed from the Foundation’s home page at nnycf.org by clicking on the scholarship button, which directs users to the application portal.

     Tri-county high school seniors who will enroll as full-time undergraduates this fall may apply for a one-year, freshman scholarship. Students pursuing technical, trade or vocational school may also apply and should complete the same application. All students should thoroughly read all application instructions.

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Nearly $120,000 in Grant Funding Awarded in Second Competitive Round to Strengthen Quality of Life

     WATERTOWN — The Rock Charitable Fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation recently awarded nearly $120,000 to 10 nonprofit organizations in St. Lawrence County to preserve local history and maintain churches and cemeteries in the region.

     The legacy fund was established at the Community Foundation in 2019 through a bequest from St. Lawrence County resident and retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Marjorie J. Rock, who passed away in February 2017 at age 96. Thanks to her foresight and thoughtful generosity, Ms. Rock’s desire to support St. Lawrence County will be perpetuated for generations to come.

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Late Potsdam Teen Remembered Through Efforts to Support Students, Community

    POTSDAM — Riley Basford was a positive force for good in his Potsdam community.

    His inspiring spirit made friends and family feel deeply connected and appreciated. He worked hard, loved the outdoors, and made those around him always smile. After unexpectedly passing away last year, it remained important to Riley’s family and friends to honor him in an enduring way.

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