Young Professionals: Giving for Good

The LEAD Giving Circle is a unique program for young professionals in Northern New York who wish to give back to the communities where they live, work and play.

Residents from Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties between the ages of 18 and 40 may make a gift to the Friends of the Foundation Community Betterment Annual Fund. With a contribution and agreement to join the LEAD Giving Circle, young professionals can participate in a variety program activities. Giving Circle members will have access to local nonprofit site visits, volunteer experiences, resource sharing and opportunities to deploy individuals skills and talents to help strengthen the region.

Members may also participate in the Council’s annual LEAD Impact Grant Program. Close to $100,000 in grants has been awarded by LEAD over the last five years.

The LEAD Giving Circle was initially established as the LEAD Council in 2014. LEAD is an acronym that reflects four guiding principles of the Community Foundation’s work: Leadership, Engagement, Access and Direction. Members will gain a deeper understanding of community needs, issues, and the nonprofit sector to augment the Community Foundation’s mission and work. LEAD has developed several creative initiatives to benefit the community and region, including its “Canstruction for Northern New York” initiative; enhancements to child care and early childhood development programs; hyperlocal support for anti-poverty initiatives; community giving challenges; and building philanthropic values in the region’s schools through student-led projects.

Program Sponsors

The LEAD Giving Circle is supported through the thoughtful generosity of the Hyde-Stone Charitable Foundation of the Northern New York Community Foundation, Carthage Savings and Loan Association, Morgia Wealth Management, and donors to the Friends of the Foundation Community Betterment Annual Fund.