The Community Foundation stewards several charitable funds that award grants annually to support programs, projects, and initiatives that positively impact the quality of life across Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties. Funding opportunities are open to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.
We encourage nonprofits to review complete details on each funding opportunity here. Please check the link periodically for information on active grant applications, deadlines, available funding, contacts and more.
Ready to start a grant proposal? Apply for a Grant
Grant Programs
Community Support Fund
Purpose: Assist community-based food pantries and non-government-funded school-based programs with critical food supplies. This fund helps partner agencies and other nonprofit organizations in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties that provide essential needs for thousands of our neighbors. Food pantries, soup kitchens, and school backpack programs that have an affiliation with the Food Bank of Central New York (FBCNY) are encouraged to apply.
Grants determined: By Community Foundation on rolling basis
Micro-Grants Program
Purpose: Support for nonprofit organizations in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties with projects that align with the Foundation’s mission and demonstrate clear community benefit. Grant awards range from $500 to $2,500. Priority focus areas include, but are not limited to:
- Bridge funding to support the start or completion of community projects
- Catalyst funding to help leverage charitable support from the community
- Programs/projects supporting targeted populations in need
- Secure resources for nonprofit development (capacity building, governance, strategic planning, etc.)
Grants determined: By Community Foundation on rolling basis
Jefferson Economic Development Fund
Purpose: Support for nonprofit organizations with programs, projects and initiatives that enhance and promote economic development in Jefferson County. Nonprofits are encouraged to think creatively and broadly when examining programs and services and identify a correlation between their work and economic development in the community.
Funding available: Up to $12,000 total
Grants determined: By fund committee and Community Foundation on rolling basis
Daniel J. Briggs Fund for Integrity
Purpose: Support for bullying prevention and character education programs, as well as professional development for administrators, teachers, staff, and employees of school districts across Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.
Funding available: Up to $2,500 total
Grants determined: By fund committee and Community Foundation on rolling basis
Youth Philanthropy Council
Communities served: Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties
Purpose: Support for nonprofit organizations serving all residents through programs and projects that enhance the quality of life in communities across Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties. Requests may not be limited to youth programs.
Funding available: Up to $20,000
Grants determined: June 2025
CAR-FRESHNER Corporation Charitable Fund
Purpose: To support community programs, projects, and initiatives with specific focus areas, which will vary from time to time. In 2025, applications must focus on educational initiatives, including but not limited to libraries, child care and preschool programs, career training, vocational and technical education, and similar projects that enhance educational opportunities within Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties. Eligible nonprofit organizations may submit one application per year.
Funding available: Grant awards range from $5,000 to $20,000
Grants determined: Quarterly by fund Community Foundation
Wilcox Community Fund for Theresa
Purpose: Support essential needs, cultural activities, historic preservation and related activities, community development/special events, recreational/environmental needs/activities, youth development activities, quality of life activities/projects, and education programs in the Village and/or Town of Theresa and/or related Indian River Lakes region of Jefferson County.
Grants determined: March 2025
Kenneth V. and Jeannette Remp Sawyer Community Fund
Purpose: Support for programs, projects and initiatives that enhance the quality of life for residents of all ages in Boonville, Constableville and Westernville.
Funding available: Up to $60,000
Grants determined: June 2025
Orchestral Fund
Purpose: Support for live orchestral performances in the Watertown area. Eligible nonprofit organizations are required to have at least 20 performers in the group with an instrumental component.
Funding available: Up to $25,000
Grants determined: June 2025
George R. Davis Fund for Lowville
Purpose: Support for programs, projects and initiatives that impact the quality of life for residents of the Village and Town of Lowville.
Funding available: Up to $20,000
Grants determined: June 2025
Carolyn Whitney Fund
Purpose: Support for tree-planting projects in the City of Watertown.
Funding available: Up to $5,000
Grants determined: June 2025
The Lighthouse Fund
Purpose: Support for nonprofit organizations providing services to vulnerable populations living in Clayton, Cape Vincent and surrounding St. Lawrence River-area communities.
Funding available: Up to $2,500
Grants determined: June 2025
Clifton-Fine Community Fund
Purpose: Support for nonprofit and eligible public organizations for programs, projects and initiatives strengthening the quality of life in the region (communities of Clifton, Cranberry Lake, Fine, Newton Falls, Oswegatchie, Star Lake, Wanakena)
Funding available: Up to $6,000
Grants determined: September 2025
John and Dorotha VanNess Family Fund
Purpose: Support for nonprofit and eligible public organizations that impact the quality of life for residents of the greater Potsdam area, with a priority given to the village and town of Potsdam. Areas of focus include, but are not limited to, health and wellness, arts and culture, economic development, community revitalization, and more.
Funding available: Up to $25,000
Grants determined: September 2025
Rock Charitable Fund
Purpose: Support for the maintenance and preservation of churches and cemeteries and places of legitimate historical significance in St. Lawrence County; to help benefit or assist Veterans of the United States Military living in St. Lawrence County for medical or recreational needs.
Grants determined: December 2025
Dr. D. Susan Badenhausen Legacy Fund
Purpose: General health and well-being of residents, arts and culture programs, education programs, conservation, and wildlife preservation programs in St. Lawrence County.
Grants determined: December 2025
LEAD Impact Grant Program
Purpose: Support nonprofit programs, projects and initiatives that will make a positive and tangible impact on the organization and the people it serves. Requests that are able to clearly demonstrate innovative approaches to service, enhancement of mission and community, and a meaningful impact on the quality of life across the North Country will be strongly considered.
Grants determined: December 2025
Safe Schools Endeavor
Purpose: Support for programs and projects that empower students, parents, and faculty to nurture the safest campus environment for children and adults in public and private K-12 schools in Jefferson and Lewis counties. Proposals that are student-led or involve close collaboration with students may receive additional weight as funding is considered.
Grants determined: December 2025
Contact: Erika Flint, steering committee chairwoman (eflint@fdrhpo.org)
Learn more: Click here to view and download a Safe Schools Endeavor program brochure
Six Town Community Fund
Purpose: Support for nonprofit organizations and eligible public organizations that impact the quality of life for residents of the Six Town region (Towns of Adams, Ellisburg, Henderson, Lorraine, Rodman and Worth).
Grants determined: December 2025