The Northern New Community Foundation stewards a variety of competitive grant programs that are open to eligible tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.
The Foundation’s General Grant Program supports proposals and requests that are responsive to the evolving needs of the region in areas that include: human services, health and wellness, arts and culture, education, families and youth, conservation and environment, community development, recreation and more. Grant proposals are evaluated based on the quality of planning, leadership, support, funding available for disbursement, passion and vision clearly expressed in the application.
General Grant Program applications are reviewed four times each year. Grant requests of $5,000 or less may be approved at the committee level. Larger grant requests are referred to the Foundation’s Board of Directors with a committee recommendation. Applicants will be notified of the grant award or denial by letter after the Board of Directors meeting.
Start your Application
The Community Foundation hosts all community grant program applications online through its new Grant Lifecycle Manager (GLM) system. To apply for a Community Foundation grant, eligible nonprofits must create an organization user account. You may set up an organization user account here.
Nonprofits may review active Community Foundation grant opportunities here.
If you have any questions, please review these Frequently Asked Questions to provide guidance as you navigate our GLM system.
2026 General Grant Program Deadlines
Letter of Inquiry (LOI):
Q1: December 26, 2025
Q2: March 13, 2026
Q3: June 12, 2026
Q4: September 18, 2026
Grant Application:
Q1: January 23, 2026
Q2: April 17, 2026
Q3: July 17, 2026
Q4: October 23, 2026
Contact Information
Emily Pfeil, Philanthropy Associate
Northern New York Community Foundation
131 Washington Street
Watertown, NY 13601
Phone: 315-782-7110
Email: emily@nnycf.org
Fax: 315-782-0047
Kraig Everard, Director of Philanthropy
Northern New York Community Foundation
131 Washington Street
Watertown, NY 13601
Phone: 315-782-7110
Email: kraig@nnycf.org
Fax: 315-782-0047