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Northern New York Community Foundation

Northern New York Community Foundation

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  • Nonprofits
    • Apply for a Grant
    • 2026 Grant Opportunities
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    • Recent Grant Recipients
    • Glenwood Cemetery Revitalization Campaign
    • CAR-FRESHNER Corporation Charitable Fund
  • Programs
    • Community Spirit Youth Giving Challenge
    • Youth Philanthropy Council
    • LEAD Council

2026 Grant Opportunities

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

Please check this page frequently for more information and updates on the Foundation’s grant program and funding opportunities for 2026.

Northern New York Community Foundation

131 Washington Street
Watertown, NY 13601

Phone: 315-782-7110
Fax: 315-782-0047

info@nnycf.org

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ATTENTION CLASS OF 2025 students, parents, teachers, counselors, and class advisors: Now is the time for Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence County students to apply for post-secondary educational support.

Apply today at bit.ly/nnycf-scholarships

Questions? Contact Mary Perrine, Community Foundation coordinator of partnerships, maryp@nnycf.org, or Tara Hess, stewardship & donor services associate, tara@nnycf.org, or 315-782-7110.

#NNYCF #ClassOf2025 #Scholarships

ATTENTION CLASS OF 2025 students, parents, teachers, counselors, and class advisors: Now is the time for Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence County students to apply for post-secondary educational support.

Apply today at bit.ly/nnycf-scholarships

Questions? Contact Mary Perrine, Community Foundation coordinator of partnerships, maryp@nnycf.org, or Tara Hess, stewardship & donor services associate, tara@nnycf.org, or 315-782-7110.

#NNYCF #ClassOf2025 #Scholarships
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12 months ago
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Thanks to donors like YOU, the LEAD Council of the Northern New York Community Foundation made the holiday season shine a little brighter for tri-county seniors!

Through LEAD's Holiday Giving Fund match, nearly $5,500 was raised to help make the holidays special for seniors in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.

Meals on Wheels at Watertown Urban Mission, the Santa for Seniors program at Lowville Food Pantry, and Meals on Wheels at St. Lawrence County Office for the Aging each received $1,832 in support.

Complete details below.

We are grateful for all who support Community Foundation programs like the LEAD Council and initiatives that make a direct and meaningful impact across the regi#NNYCFN#lead##leadingthewayheWay
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LEAD Council Holiday Giving Fund Awards Nearly $5,500 to Brighten Season Across the Region

nnycf.org

LEAD Council Holiday Giving Fund Awards Nearly $5,500 to Brighten Season Across the Region December 26, 2024 By admin Young Professionals Aid Senior Programs in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Coun...
1 years ago
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The Watertown-based manufacturer behind Little Trees air fresheners recently established the CAR-FRESHNER Corporation Charitable Fund at the Community Foundation.

Grant applications will be reviewed and awarded quarterly throughout the calendar year. Eligible nonprofit organizations may submit one application per year, with grant awards ranging from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $20,000 per application.

This year, 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.

The deadline for first-quarter 2025 grant applications is Friday, January 24, 2025. Visit bit.ly/grant-portal to access the Community Foundation’s online grant portal.

Complete details below.

#NNYCF #ThoughtfulGiving #Partnerships #Grantmaking
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CAR-FRESHNER Corp. Establishes Charitable Partnership With the Community Foundation

nnycf.org

CAR-FRESHNER Corp. Establishes Charitable Partnership With the Community Foundation December 23, 2024 By admin New Charitable Fund Will Support Various Community Projects and Initiatives Through Quart...
1 years ago
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Thank you, Car Freshener!

Becky Taylor

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