$25,000 Available for Nonprofits Focused on Child Care, Early Childhood Development in the Tri-County Area
The deadline to submit requests for grant funding from the Northern New York Community Foundation’s LEAD Council Impact Grant Program is fast approaching.
The Foundation’s LEAD Council welcomes proposals from nonprofit organizations in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties that are focused on child care or early childhood development. The Council has committed to address these needs across the region as its strategic focus in 2019. Council members will evaluate each proposal for funding and has up to $25,000 award, which could be shared between multiple organizations and awardees.
Eligible nonprofit organizations whose missions, programs and services target child care and early childhood development are encouraged to apply for funding through this grant opportunity by Friday, April 19. Grant-making efforts to address this strategic focus will target four areas: programs, advocacy, accessibility and opportunities to support staff through training and professional development.
Nonprofits that wish to apply must have confirmed charitable status as a federally recognized tax-exempt organization. Other publicly supported organizations, including school districts and municipalities, are also eligible and encouraged to apply. Eligible nonprofits must actively serve residents in Jefferson, Lewis or St. Lawrence counties. The Council will review grant applications through the spring and summer and announce awards in September.
Proposals must be received or postmarked no later than Friday, April 19, to the Northern New York Community Foundation, Attn: Max DelSignore, 131 Washington St., Watertown, NY 13601. Applications may also be submitted by email to max@nnycf.org. Contact 315-782-7110, or email Mr. DelSignore with any questions or clarifications about the grant program and application process.
The Council’s decision to focus on child care and early childhood development initiatives comes at a time when the need for access to quality care in the region is at an all-time high. It is a vital component of the quality of life for many families, and investments that improve child care also help to strengthen the region and its communities. While evaluating the issue, the Council heard from several regional child care professionals who shared many strengths and challenges those in the sector face. Discussions with experts, parents, and employers helped to confirm the Council’s choice to invest resources into this critical area that affects the North Country.
The LEAD Impact Grant Program is made possible thanks to generous support from the Hyde-Stone Charitable Foundation at the Northern New York Community Foundation, BCA Architects & Engineers, Carthage Savings and Loan Association, and donors to the Friends of the Foundation Community Betterment Annual Fund.
About the Community Foundation’s LEAD Council
The LEAD Council is an advisory committee of the Northern New York Community Foundation empowered to identify and address strategic needs across Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties. The Council is comprised of 24 young professionals who live in the tri-county area with an interest in enhancing the quality of life for all in the North Country. LEAD is an acronym that reflects four important guiding principles of the Community Foundation’s work: Leadership, Engagement, Access and Direction.
Since its inception in 2014, the LEAD Council has helped with a number of creative programs to encourage younger students in philanthropy. The Council has also invested in the sustainability of a hyperlocal initiative to help North Country residents who are living in poverty through a charitable fund at the Community Foundation. The LEAD Council also works to gain a deeper understanding of community needs, issues and the nonprofit sector to augment the Community Foundation’s mission and work.
About the Northern New York Community Foundation
Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life in communities across Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.
Through partnerships with businesses and organizations, generous individual donors and families, and charitable foundations, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an endowment and collection of funds that benefit the region. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving enduring legacies of community philanthropy while inspiring others.
The Community Foundation is a resource for donors, local charitable organizations, and professional advisors. It also works to bring people together at its permanent home in the Northern New York Philanthropy Center to discuss challenges our communities face and find creative solutions that strengthen the region and make it a great place to live, work, and play.