$7,000 in Grant Support Will Help Ensure Success of Two Signature Summer Events
WATERTOWN — The Jefferson Economic Development Fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation recently supported a pair of local cultural programs that will help strengthen tourism and the arts this summer.
A $6,000 grant to the Cape Vincent Local Development Corporation will help ensure this year’s French Festival is staffed with professional security to comply with new state requirements. With a more than 55-year history, the annual festival is a long-standing celebration of the region’s French heritage and attracts thousands of visitors with its cultural activities, food, parades, and crafts.
Funding will help ensure the festival’s continuity and economic benefits for the community in the immediate term while a planning committee and its volunteers create a fundraising strategy to sustain this new expense in the future.
A $1,000 grant to the Lyme Performing Arts Council will support the town’s Monday Music on the Lake series. The Arts Council aims to enrich surrounding communities by hosting free live performances through the music series. Now in its third year, the initiative organizes monthly concerts from June to October, featuring skilled artists at Bicentennial Park and the Three Mile Bay Fire Hall.
The project addresses the need for accessible cultural events and fosters community spirit. With a projected audience of more than 1,000 attendees, the concerts not only entertain residents, but also attract visitors to the area, benefiting local businesses and enhancing the region’s appeal. Grant funding will help to support fees for artists and technical support.
“We are pleased to support two timely requests through the Jefferson Economic Development Fund,” said Max DelSignore, Community Foundation assistant director. “Our nonprofit community impacts economic development in many meaningful ways. We invite other organizations to explore this funding opportunity in the future to enhance their mission and strengthen the communities they serve.”
The Jefferson Economic Development Fund was established at the Community Foundation to support programs, projects, and efforts that help stimulate economic development and promote general welfare in Jefferson County. The fund was originally created in 1958 and administered by the Jefferson County Chambers of Commerce. A group of regional business leaders established the nonprofit entity to encourage economic development and growth. The Community Foundation now stewards this charitable fund.
The Foundation encourages Jefferson County nonprofits to consider this funding opportunity if your organization’s mission and work may include, but is 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, social impact, community leadership, and more.
The application for the Jefferson Economic Development Fund is available on a rolling basis with grant decisions made quarterly. Contact the Community Foundation, 315-782-7110, or visit nnycf.org/grants to learn more about eligibility and details of the fund.
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.