Nearly $113,000 Available Through Five Different Community Grant Programs
WATERTOWN — The Northern New York Community Foundation is pleased to announce a series of funding opportunities now open to nonprofit organizations serving at least seven different communities in Jefferson and Lewis counties.
The deadline to apply for each of the following grant opportunities is Friday, April 18:
- Kenneth V. and Jeannette Remp Sawyer Community Fund — Support for programs, projects and initiatives that enhance the quality of life for residents of all ages in the Boonville, Constableville, and Westernville communities. Up to $60,000 is available this year.
- Orchestral Fund — Support for live orchestral performances in the Watertown area. Eligible nonprofit organizations are required to have at least 20 performers in the group with an instrumental component. Up to $25,000 is available this year.
- George R. Davis Fund for Lowville — Support for programs, projects and initiatives that impact the quality of life for residents in the Village and Town of Lowville. Up to $20,000 is available this year.
- Carolyn Whitney Fund — Support for tree planting projects in the City of Watertown. Up to $5,000 is available this year.
- The Lighthouse Fund — Support to nonprofit organizations providing services to disadvantaged and vulnerable populations in the Cape Vincent and Clayton communities. Up to $2,500 is available this year
Applications for each grant opportunity are available through the Community Foundation’s Grant Lifecycle Manager (GLM) system, which may be accessed at bit.ly/grant-portal.
The online portal allows nonprofits to create an organization user profile and apply for active grant opportunities. The Foundation encourages nonprofits to set up a single user account for their organization. The portal features a simple interface that guides users through step-by-step instructions on how to apply. Resources are available on the Foundation’s website and on the portal’s log-in page to learn more about the process.
To be eligible for Community Foundation grants, nonprofits must be classified as a 501(c)(3) organization by the IRS. Other entities may be eligible depending on the request.
The CAR-FRESHNER Corporation Charitable Fund is also accepting applications for second-quarter grant support. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 25.
The CAR-FRESHNER Corporation Charitable Fund is designed to support community programs, projects and initiatives with specific focus areas, which will vary from time to time. Up to $100,000 in funding is available for 2025 and this is the second application round. Eligible nonprofit organizations may submit one application per year.
This year, CAR-FRESHNER Corporation Charitable Fund applications must focus on educational initiatives, including but not limited to libraries, child care and preschool programs, career training, vocational and technical education, and similar projects that enhance educational opportunities within Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties.
Other open grant opportunities also include the Community Foundation’s general grant program and its Jefferson Economic Development Fund. Applications for each are accepted on a rolling basis. Any organization seeking support from either of these programs should contact Max DelSignore, Community Foundation vice president at max@nnycf.org before beginning an application in the GLM portal.
In addition to its general grant program, the Community Foundation stewards close to 20 different funding opportunities available to nonprofit organizations located in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties. To learn more about these opportunities, please visit nnycf.org or contact the Foundation at 315-782-7110.
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.