626 Students Assisted Since 2007, Totaling $1.2 Million

The Northern New York Community Foundation announces the 2018-19 members of the Jefferson-Can Community Scholars Program.  The scholarship, administered by the Northern New York Community Foundation, in collaboration Jefferson Community College (JCC) alumnus Stephen H. Can, and the JCC Foundation, provides scholarships to students from Jefferson and Lewis counties who graduate in the top 15 percent of their class. This year, fifty- one students will receive an award. Mr. Can had the opportunity to visit with this year’s recipients during a recent visit to Watertown. Since its inception in 2007, the Jeff-Can Community Scholars program has provided scholarships totaling approximately $1.2 million, supporting 626 students.

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Total Grant of $50,000 Includes $25,000 Challenge Matching Grant

The Northern New York Community Foundation has made a commitment to assist three organizations support a permanent internship program, while also honoring the legacy of a longtime supporter of environmental stewardship, conservation and education in the Thousand Islands region.

The Community Foundation’s Board of Directors approved a $50,000 grant to help build and establish the Kenneth Deedy Environmental Internship Fund in partnership with the Thousand Islands Land Trust (TILT). Of the $50,000 grant, $25,000 will be made directly to build the fund, and $25,000 is being provided as a challenge matching grant. The Community Foundation will match all new gifts to build the fund, up to $25,000.

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Non-profit organizations and local agencies with programs promoting economic development and general welfare within Jefferson County are encouraged to apply to the Jefferson Economic Development Fund at the Northern New York Community Foundation.

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The Safe Schools Endeavor, in partnership with the Northern New York Community Foundation, announces the availability of applications for funding for the 2018-19 school year.  The grant application should be completed by interested individuals and groups and returned to the Northern New York Community Foundation at 131 Washington Street, Watertown, NY 13601 by Monday, November 5, 2018. Earlier this year, the Community Foundation offered a $20,000 matching grant for gifts contributed to support the initiative.

“Many generous individuals and businesses have contributed to the Safe Schools Endeavor over the past few months and we are incredibly grateful that their support has brought us to this moment,” said Erika Flint, Steering Committee Chair. “This funding opportunity is the voice of businesses and individuals telling our school districts that they do not have to carry this burden alone.  The community views school safety as a shared responsibility that deserves our attention.”

“Our hope was that this matching grant would transform a meaningful idea into reality. The community response to this initiative has more than exceeded our expectations. We are encouraged to now see these resources put to work to help make our students and communities safer,” said Rande Richardson, Community Foundation director. The Safe Schools Endeavor will consider applications submitted by students, teachers, faculty, staff, and parents.  Any individual or group of individuals with an idea to improve safety within their Jefferson or Lewis County school building should discuss the concept with their school administration to gather their support.  Proposals can involve student programming, parent programming, equipment, faculty and staff training, travel, or anything else that an individual or group within the school community believes would enhance the overall safety of the school and its community members.  The Safe Schools Endeavor is about awareness, empowerment, and action within school communities, and funding proposals will be evaluated based upon the degree to which they embody these desired outcomes.

Individuals and groups may request any amount, but typical grants will fall in the range of $1,000 – $2,500.  All proposed projects/programs must occur in the 2018-19 school year and must be approved by the administration of the school district.  Grant applications are available on the Community Foundation’s website, www.nnycf.org. Additional information is available on the Safe Schools Endeavor Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SafeSchoolsEndeavor/

Local school districts seeking additional grant support for bullying prevention and character education programs are encouraged to apply to the “Daniel Briggs Fund for Integrity” at the Northern New York Community Foundation.

The charitable fund was established in 2015 at the Community Foundation to provide financial resources dedicated to key educational programs raising awareness of bullying in area schools and the community, as well as support for professional development opportunities to educate school administrators, teachers, faculty and staff. The fund is also designed to support projects and initiatives promoting leadership development, student responsibility, respect and trust for the community.

The grant application for the “Daniel Briggs Fund for Integrity” at the Community Foundation is now available. Up to $1,000 in funding is available this year. The deadline to submit an application for consideration is November 2. Please contact Max DelSignore, Community Foundation assistant director, to obtain the grant application or learn more about this funding opportunity. He may be reached at (315) 782-7110 or max@nnycf.org.

An area fundraiser to benefit the “Daniel Briggs Fund for Integrity” will take place Sunday at Thompson Park in Watertown. The Daniel J. Briggs Memorial Walk will start at the park pavilion and run from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Proceeds from the event will be added to the charitable fund at the Community Foundation.

For those interested in making a direct contribution to the “Daniel Briggs Fund for Integrity” at the Foundation, please make a gift to: Northern New York Community Foundation, 131 Washington St., Watertown, New York, 13601. Please note the “Daniel Briggs Fund for Integrity” in the memo line. You may also give online at www.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.