Tri-County Nonprofit Organizations Invited to Apply for Support by Friday, Oct. 22
WATERTOWN — Nonprofit organizations serving tri-county residents are invited to apply for up to $49,500 in funding through five Community Foundation grant opportunities that are now accepting proposals.
Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations seeking support for projects and initiatives that positively impact the quality of life across Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties should submit proposals by Friday, October 22, for consideration.
Agencies or organizations that do not have 501 (c)(3) classification are required to partner with an eligible nonprofit, municipality, or local agency as a fiscal sponsor. Agencies seeking funding must confirm partnership with an eligible nonprofit or fiscal sponsor when submitting a proposal.
All funding applications must be completed through the Community Foundation’s online Grant Lifecycle Manager, which may be accessed at nnycf.org/grants. Grant awards will be determined in December and, in most cases, announced in early January.
The following funding opportunities are now open:
John and Dorotha VanNess Family Fund
Nonprofit organizations serving the greater Potsdam area may apply for up to $20,000 in funding from the John and Dorotha VanNess Family Fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation.
Successful projects, programs or initiatives should have yearlong, meaningful impact and support the quality of life and vibrancy of the greater Potsdam area. Areas of focus include, but are not limited to, arts and culture, community revitalization and beautification, economic development, health and wellness, recreational programs, and more.
The John and Dorotha VanNess Family Fund is a permanent grantmaking fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation that will forever support programs and activities to advance the general welfare of the Potsdam community. This family legacy fund was established at the Community Foundation in 2018 to honor and recognize the lifelong community spirit of John S. and Dorotha T. VanNess, who were actively engaged in the Potsdam community for decades through local business and volunteer efforts.
Contact Kraig Everard, Community Foundation director of stewardship and programs, 315-782-7110, or kraig@nnycf.org, to learn more.
Shaw Harbor Foundation
Nonprofits serving residents of Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties are invited to apply for up to $15,000 in funding through the Shaw Harbor Foundation, a Community Foundation charitable fund.
Preference will be given to nonprofits serving Jefferson County residents of Adams, Ellisburg, Henderson, Lorraine, Rodman, Worth, and Hounsfield. Organizations whose work supports investments in arts and culture, history, LGBTQ services and programs, and general activities, projects and initiatives that strive to make life better for all will receive additional consideration.
Adams Center native John S. McNeely established the Shaw Harbor Foundation as a permanent Community Foundation fund in 2017 to support and enhance the community where he and his family chose to grow a once small business into a thriving international firm. This is the second year the foundation will award grant funding to support local nonprofits.
Contact Kraig Everard, Community Foundation director of stewardship and programs, 315-782-7110, or kraig@nnycf.org, to learn more about this opportunity.
Jefferson Economic Development Fund
Nonprofit organizations within Jefferson County are encouraged to review current programs and initiatives and apply for up to $10,000 in funding from the Jefferson Economic Development Fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation.
The Jefferson Economic Development Fund was established to support programs, projects and efforts that help generate economic development and promote general welfare in Jefferson County. Nonprofit leaders should examine their programs and services and think creatively and broadly to identify a link between their work and economic development in the community.
Examples of economic development focus areas related to the nonprofit sector may include, but are not limited to: Workforce development, initiatives that aim to improve the general health and economic well-being of residents, strengthening access to arts, culture, educational experiences, community leadership, and more.
Contact Max DelSignore, Community Foundation assistant director, 315-782-7110, or max@nnycf.org, to learn more about this funding opportunity.
Community Fund for Theresa
Nonprofit organizations serving residents of the Theresa area may apply for up to $3,500 in funding from the Community Fund for Theresa of the Northern New York Community Foundation.
Successful projects, programs or initiatives should have yearlong, meaningful impact and support the quality of life and vibrancy of the greater Theresa area. Areas of focus include, but are not limited to, health and wellness, arts and culture, economic development, recreational programs, community revitalization and beautification, and more.
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 2019 to help strengthen the quality of life in their community.
Contact Kraig Everard, Community Foundation director of stewardship and programs, 315-782-7110, or kraig@nnycf.org, to learn more about this opportunity to enhance the Theresa area.
Daniel J. Briggs Fund for Integrity
Local school districts pursuing grant funding to support bullying prevention, character education and social media safety programs are encouraged to apply to the Daniel J. Briggs Fund for Integrity of the Northern New York Community Foundation. Up to $1,000 in funding is available this year.
The charitable fund was established in 2015 at the Community Foundation to provide financial resources dedicated to key educational programs that raise awareness of bullying in local schools and the community, as well as support for professional development programs to educate school administrators, teachers, faculty, and staff. The fund is also designed to support projects and initiatives that promote leadership development, student responsibility, respect, and trust for the community.
Contact Max DelSignore, Community Foundation assistant director, 315-782-7110, or max@nnycf.org, to learn more about this opportunity.
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 for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.
Through partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous families and individual donors, 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 and honoring legacies of community philanthropy while inspiring others.
The Community Foundation is a resource for local charitable organizations, donors, professional advisors, and nonprofit organizations. 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.