$25,000 Available to Support Focus on Child Care, Early Childhood Development
WATERTOWN — The Northern New York Community Foundation’s LEAD Council has committed to address child care and early childhood development needs across the region as its strategic focus in 2019.
To help make meaningful investments that effectively address this issue and future needs, the Council also announces the launch of the LEAD Impact Grant Program. Eligible nonprofit organizations whose missions, programs and services target child care and early childhood development are encouraged to apply for funding through this grant opportunity by April 19.
The LEAD Impact Grant Program has up to $25,000 in grant funding available this year. This investment is made possible thanks to generous support from the Hyde-Stone Charitable Foundation at the Northern New York Community Foundation, BCA Architects & Engineers, Carthage Savings and Loan Association, and donors to the Friends of the Foundation Community Betterment Annual Fund.
The new Impact Grant Program enables the Council to identify a strategic focus and allocate meaningful resources each year to address the changing needs of communities in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.
The Council’s decision to focus on child care and early childhood development initiatives comes at a time when the need for access to quality care in the region is at an all-time high. It is a vital component of the quality of life for many families, and investments that improve child care also help to strengthen the region and its communities. While evaluating the issue, the Council heard from several regional child care professionals who shared many strengths and challenges those in the sector face. Discussions with experts, parents, and employers helped to confirm the Council’s choice to invest resources into this critical area that affects the North Country.
“Many factors contribute to significant challenges for nonprofits that provide child care and early childhood development support,” said Max DelSignore, Community Foundation assistant director. “While some challenges in this sector may require greater resources or changes in legislation, the LEAD Council has identified a handful of key areas locally where their program can make a sustainable impact.”
Mr. DelSignore added that the “thoughtful, proactive approach these young professionals have taken to focus support on this need that affects many children and families is exciting.”
Grant-making efforts to address this strategic focus will target four areas: programs, advocacy, accessibility and opportunities to support staff through training and professional development.
“We have always intended for the LEAD Council’s expertise and perspective to add value that helps to sharpen the Community Foundation’s approach in how it strategically addresses the region’s challenges,” said Rande S. Richardson Community Foundation executive director. “It is exciting to see the Council’s work over the past several years culminate in a focused allocation of resources.”
Nonprofits that wish to apply for 2019 funding through the LEAD Impact Grant Program must have confirmed charitable status as a federally recognized tax-exempt organization. Other publicly supported organizations, including school districts and municipalities, are also eligible and encouraged to apply. Eligible nonprofits must actively serve residents in Jefferson, Lewis or St. Lawrence counties. The Council will review grant applications through the spring and summer and announce awards in September.
Proposals must be received or postmarked no later than Friday, April 19, to the Northern New York Community Foundation, Attn: Max DelSignore, 131 Washington St., Watertown, NY 13601. Applications may also be submitted by email to max@nnycf.org. Contact 315-782-7110, or email Mr. DelSignore with any questions or clarifications about the grant program and application process.
About the Community Foundation’s LEAD Council
The LEAD Council is an advisory committee of the Northern New York Community Foundation empowered to identify and address strategic needs across Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties. The Council is comprised of 24 young professionals who live in the tri-county area with an interest in enhancing the quality of life for all in the North Country. LEAD is an acronym that reflects four important guiding principles of the Community Foundation’s work: Leadership, Engagement, Access and Direction.
Since its inception in 2014, the LEAD Council has helped with a number of creative programs to encourage younger students in philanthropy. The Council has also invested in the sustainability of a hyperlocal initiative to help North Country residents who are living in poverty through a charitable fund at the Community Foundation. The LEAD Council also works to gain a deeper understanding of community needs, issues and the nonprofit sector to augment the Community Foundation’s mission and work.
The following are Northern New York Community Foundation LEAD Council members:
- Eli Anderson, Sackets Harbor, Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization
- Krysta Aten-Schell, Adams Center, BCA Architects & Engineers
- Hilary Avallone, Carthage, ACR Health
- Andrew Boulter, Watertown, Watertown Savings Bank
- Anthony Burgess, Watertown, Jefferson Community College
- Jonathan Cole, Antwerp, Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization
- Victoria Hasseler-Collins, Croghan, Conboy, McKay, Bachman & Kendall LLP
- Bridget Fetterly, Carthage, Carthage Savings and Loan Association
- Kerry Kennett, Sackets Harbor, South Jefferson Central School
- Cari Knight, Great Bend, ACR Health
- Kristin LaClair, Watertown, Children’s Miracle Network at Samaritan Medical Center
- Joanna Loomis, Watertown, North Country Initiative
- Steve Magovney, Watertown, Belleville Henderson Central School
- Kylee Monroe, Philadelphia, General Brown Central School
- Aaron Naklick, Watertown, Samaritan Medical Center
- John Nuber, Clayton, RBC Wealth Management
- Ashley Pastorius, Clayton, Nexstar Media Group / Hart Hotels
- Melissa Schmitt, Watertown, Samaritan Medical Center
- Erin Simser, Watertown, WinnCompanies
- Robert Sligar, Carthage, Carthage Savings and Loan Association
- Emily Soderquist, Watertown, Samaritan Medical Center
- Dominic Uliano IV, Watertown, Immaculate Heart Central School
- Jennifer Voss, Watertown, City of Watertown
- Matthew Walldroff, LaFargeville, Jade Stone Engineering
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 strategic partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous individual donors, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an endowment and collection of funds that benefit the community. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving 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.