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Northern New York Community Foundation

Northern New York Community Foundation

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Support Now Available for Nonprofit Organizations that Impact Jefferson County Economic Development

June 8, 2022 By admin

All Eligible Agencies Encouraged to Apply Online by July 22

     WATERTOWN — Nonprofit organizations within Jefferson County are encouraged to review current programs and initiatives and consider applying for grant 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 stimulate economic development and promote general welfare in Jefferson County. The Community Foundation invites nonprofit leaders to think creatively and broadly about their current programs or new initiatives and identify a link between their work and how it positively impacts Jefferson County’s economic development.

     The deadline to submit a grant proposal for consideration to this charitable fund is Friday, July 22. Up to $10,000 in grant funding is available.

     Examples of economic development focus areas related to the nonprofit sector may include, but are not limited to: Workforce development, initiatives aimed at improving the general health and economic well-being, strengthened access to arts, culture and educational experiences, social impact, community leadership, and more. It is important for nonprofit applicants to be able to clearly demonstrate successful implementation of their project, propose creative solutions to existing community challenges and explain the positive impact on the community.

     The fund was established in 1958 as the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce. A group of regional business leaders created the nonprofit entity to help encourage local and regional economic development and growth. The Community Foundation collaborated with remaining active board members for the chamber to develop a refreshed purpose for the fund to support nonprofits and the community with the Foundation stewarding the charitable fund.

     Nonprofit organizations with a 501(c)(3) classification are eligible to apply. If other organizations or agencies do not have this classification, they are required to partner with an eligible nonprofit, municipality, or local agency to serve as a fiscal sponsor. Agencies seeking a grant through this funding opportunity must confirm partnership with an eligible nonprofit or fiscal sponsor at the time a proposal is submitted.

     Completed applications must be completed in the Community Foundation’s online grant portal by Friday, July 22. Grant awards will be determined in September. Visit nnycf.org/grants for more information about how to apply online.

     Contact Max DelSignore, Community Foundation assistant director, 315-782-7110, or max@nnycf.org, for questions on the online application or learn more about this funding 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.

Filed Under: Recent News

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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Northern New York Community Foundation

Northern New York Community Foundation

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Working with donors to benefit the community through grants and scholarships since 1929.

We are excited to share the Week 3 Scholarship Challenge Leaderboard!

In Jefferson County, Sackets Harbor Central took the lead with 50 percent student participation; In Lewis County, South Lewis Central held onto the lead, increasing to 25.35 percent student participation; and in St. Lawrence County, Colton-Pierrepont Central held onto the lead, still with 23.08 percent student participation.

All schools have a chance to win Community Foundation grant funding by increasing student participation in the scholarship program to at least 25 percent of the senior class. 

The first round of grants will be determined in a Facebook Live event on Monday, February 23! That means schools only have one more week to increase student participation to 25 percent or more of the senior class to be eligible for the first round of Scholarship Challenge grants. So far, only THREE schools meet the threshold for the first round of grants!

Seniors: Do you plan to continue your education in college or trade or technical school? Winter break is the perfect opportunity to complete the Community Foundation’s online common application at bit.ly/nnycf-scholarships today and help your school win!

Learn more about this year’s challenge at: nnycf.org/scholarship-challenge-2026

#NNYCF #ScholarshipChallenge #ClassOf2026 #FundingForYourFutureImage attachmentImage attachment+1Image attachment

We are excited to share the Week 3 Scholarship Challenge Leaderboard!

In Jefferson County, Sackets Harbor Central took the lead with 50 percent student participation; In Lewis County, South Lewis Central held onto the lead, increasing to 25.35 percent student participation; and in St. Lawrence County, Colton-Pierrepont Central held onto the lead, still with 23.08 percent student participation.

All schools have a chance to win Community Foundation grant funding by increasing student participation in the scholarship program to at least 25 percent of the senior class.

The first round of grants will be determined in a Facebook Live event on Monday, February 23! That means schools only have one more week to increase student participation to 25 percent or more of the senior class to be eligible for the first round of Scholarship Challenge grants. So far, only THREE schools meet the threshold for the first round of grants!

Seniors: Do you plan to continue your education in college or trade or technical school? Winter break is the perfect opportunity to complete the Community Foundation’s online common application at bit.ly/nnycf-scholarships today and help your school win!

Learn more about this year’s challenge at: nnycf.org/scholarship-challenge-2026

#NNYCF #ScholarshipChallenge #ClassOf2026 #FundingForYourFuture
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Do you plan to continue your education in college or trade or technical school? Great continuing education options; consider

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We are pleased to announce a pair of strategic initiatives to support the longevity and capacity of tri-county nonprofits.

The Northern New York Community Foundation is launching a $250,000 matching commitment to build existing nonprofit endowment funds the Foundation stewards. Ten individual matching grants of $25,000 will be awarded to each participating organization on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Foundation is also introducing the Nonprofit Capacity Building Initiative, a new grant program to help strengthen the effectiveness of local nonprofits.

Complete details below.

#NNYCF #nonprofits #partners #endowment #capacitybuilding #StrongerTogether
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Community Foundation Announces Two Efforts to Support Nonprofit Strength

www.nnycf.org

Community Foundation Announces Two Efforts to Support Nonprofit Strength February 9, 2026 By admin $250,000 Endowment Matching Challenge, New Capacity Building Grant Opportunity Offered WATERTOWN — ...
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DEADLINE THIS FRIDAY — Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence county students: There is still time to participate in the Community Spirit Youth Giving Challenge and help us award $10,000!

Complete your application by 11:59 p.m. Friday, February 13.

Seventh, eighth, and ninth graders, how would YOU award $10,000? Dont miss your chance to support your favorite charity!

Complete details, including how to enter: nnycf.org/challenge-deadline

#NNYCF #CommunitySpirit #YouthGivingChallenge #Leadership #Nonprofits

DEADLINE THIS FRIDAY — Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence county students: There is still time to participate in the Community Spirit Youth Giving Challenge and help us award $10,000!

Complete your application by 11:59 p.m. Friday, February 13.

Seventh, eighth, and ninth graders, how would YOU award $10,000? Don't miss your chance to support your favorite charity!

Complete details, including how to enter: nnycf.org/challenge-deadl#NNYCFN#CommunitySpiritp#YouthGivingChallengel#leadershipr#nonprofitsofits
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