Three Organizations will Share $51,900 for Projects at Places of Historical Significance; Second Round of Funding Now Open
WATERTOWN — Three local organizations will share $51,900 in grant funding from the Northern New York Community Foundation’s Lewis County Historic Preservation Fund for projects at places of historical significance.
Earlier this year, the Community Foundation announced a funding opportunity of up to $100,000 to celebrate the rich historical heritage of Lewis County through support for historic preservation and restoration projects.
Historic preservation holds significant value by preserving history, fostering community identity, and offering economic and environmental benefits, contributing to the quality of life in our region. It helps residents understand our past, connect with our heritage, and create a stronger sense of place while adding character to the landscape of our communities.
“We are pleased to partner with these organizations to help care for and restore important historical properties in Lewis County as a link to our local heritage,” said Rande S. Richardson, Community Foundation executive director. “We are hopeful this first round of grants will encourage others to consider ways we can assist in preserving area landmarks so that future generations can fully enjoy, appreciate and lean from them.”
The following organizations will receive grant funding from the Lewis County Historic Preservation Fund:
- Constable Hall Association, Constableville, $24,500 to help complete needed repairs and restoration of the Servants Quarters, which is presently used for storage. Officials plan to gradually transition the Servants Quarters into displays of “Every Day Working Life” in Lewis County. Constable Hall was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Built in the early 19th century, it served as the home of the Constable family, early settlers and leaders who helped shape the region’s development during the 19th century.
- Adirondack Mennonite Heritage Association, $20,000 to help with needed repairs to the Adirondack Mennonite Heritage Farm, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The farm preserves the mid-19th century John Moser homestead, an example of an early Mennonite settlement in Lewis County. Today, the property is operated as a museum and cultural site interpreting the history, faith, and lifestyle of the region’s Mennonite community. Funding will aid with restoration of the front and side porches of the farmhouse to preserve the building’s historic character and improve visitor safety.
- Society for the Preservation of West Martinsburg Church, $7,400 to help repair and stabilize the church’s original fieldstone foundation and replace a deteriorated walkway. Improvements are critical to
preserving the structural integrity of the building and ensuring safe access for visitors. Built in 1840, the is one of the earliest rural churches in Northern New York. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, it is one of only a few surviving historic structures in West Martinsburg, a hamlet that was once home to several businesses and institutions. The church also houses artifacts and documents from the congregation and surrounding community, serving as a museum.
The Foundation is now seeking proposals from eligible Lewis County organizations for a second round of funding totaling up to $48,100.
Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and churches located entirely within Lewis County, that plan to undertake historic preservation or restoration. Projects should focus on the preservation or restoration of places of legitimate historical significance and significant historical community landmarks. For this program, cemeteries are not eligible for consideration.
Applicants should also adhere to the following criteria:
- Properties slated for historic preservation or restoration must be wholly owned by the applicant organization
- Funding is available for projects that specifically address the exterior of existing structures or elements
- Funding priority will be for properties easily accessed and enjoyed by the public
- No grants will be awarded for additions or modifications that substantially alter the historic nature and character of the property
Complete grant proposals must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, through the Community Foundation’s online grant portal, which may be accessed at bit.ly/grant-portal.
The Foundation will accommodate several grants that are meaningful within the total funding available. Successful applicants may receive full or partial funding, with consideration of the priorities previously
described and the number of worthy projects.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Community Foundation to discuss the amount being requested prior to submission. Requests will not be considered for work commencing before December 31, 2025. Reimbursement for prior expenses will not be considered. Email Kraig Everard, director of philanthropy, kraig@nnycf.org, or call 315-782-7110 with any questions.
The Community Foundation will notify all applicants of the status of their grant proposal no later than early January 2026. Funding will be disbursed in advance of the start of the project, based on demonstrated need and project timeline.
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.