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Northern New York Community Foundation

Northern New York Community Foundation

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Community Foundation Announces Second Quarter Grant Funding Opportunities

February 12, 2024 By admin

Nearly $107,000 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 for 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 19:

  • 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 $15,000 is available this year.
  • Carolyn Whitney Fund — Support for tree planting projects in the City of Watertown. Up to $4,500 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 $2,000 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 nnycf.org/grants.

     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.

     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 assistant director 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.

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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