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Northern New York Community Foundation

Northern New York Community Foundation

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Community Foundation Partners to Help with Restoration of Iconic Watertown Landmark

July 28, 2023 By admin

Grant Supports Intern for Thomas Memorial AME Zion Church History Project

     WATERTOWN — While a Community Foundation grant helps document and preserve the history of an important city landmark, a recently established charitable fund will aid efforts to restore the Thomas Memorial AME Zion Church on Morrison Street.

     A $2,250 grant awarded to the Preservation League of New York State is funding a summer intern to research, document and produce a comprehensive history of the church, which has deep ties as an African American church with connections to the Underground Railroad.  

     “We welcome this opportunity to be part of the efforts to explore ways to see this important piece of our history preserved for future generations,” said Rande Richardson, Community Foundation executive director. “We recognize that there is a long road ahead for this effort, but we want to be a resource to help better position them for additional support from a variety of sources.”

The Thomas Memorial AME Zion Church, 715 Morrison St., Watertown.

     The Morrison Street church was erected in 1909 and had consistent worship services until 2012. It has been without an on-site caretaker since 2017. The church still owns the building, but Neighbors of Watertown has served as its caretaker, assessing the building, and working with the state to improve other structural issues. An active local coalition is working with Neighbors to prioritize improvements to the church for preservation.

     After the Preservation League listed Thomas Memorial AME Zion Church as a targeted historical site to preserve, officials engaged the Community Foundation for support.

     The organization hired an intern earlier this summer who had been working with the local coalition to compile research and conduct interviews with former church members and those who have connections with the property.

     They anticipate up to 10 weeks to complete the research project. The finished product may be used to help secure future funding for restoration work or be used to complement the North Country’s rich history.

     In July, a local coalition, in partnership with The People’s Community Development Corporation, Syracuse, established a charitable fund at the Community Foundation to encourage additional support for the preservation, restoration, and renewal of the church.

     To support the church restoration project, access secure online giving at bit.ly/AME-Zion-Church-Fund, or mail your gift made payable to Northern New York Community Foundation, ATTN: Thomas Memorial AME Zion Church, 131 Washington St., Watertown, NY 13601.

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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ATTENTION CLASS OF 2025 students, parents, teachers, counselors, and class advisors: Now is the time for Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence County students to apply for post-secondary educational support.

Apply today at bit.ly/nnycf-scholarships

Questions? Contact Mary Perrine, Community Foundation coordinator of partnerships, maryp@nnycf.org, or Tara Hess, stewardship & donor services associate, tara@nnycf.org, or 315-782-7110.

#NNYCF #ClassOf2025 #Scholarships

ATTENTION CLASS OF 2025 students, parents, teachers, counselors, and class advisors: Now is the time for Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence County students to apply for post-secondary educational support.

Apply today at bit.ly/nnycf-scholarships

Questions? Contact Mary Perrine, Community Foundation coordinator of partnerships, maryp@nnycf.org, or Tara Hess, stewardship & donor services associate, tara@nnycf.org, or 315-782-7110.

#NNYCF #ClassOf2025 #Scholarships
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Thanks to donors like YOU, the LEAD Council of the Northern New York Community Foundation made the holiday season shine a little brighter for tri-county seniors!

Through LEAD's Holiday Giving Fund match, nearly $5,500 was raised to help make the holidays special for seniors in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.

Meals on Wheels at Watertown Urban Mission, the Santa for Seniors program at Lowville Food Pantry, and Meals on Wheels at St. Lawrence County Office for the Aging each received $1,832 in support.

Complete details below.

We are grateful for all who support Community Foundation programs like the LEAD Council and initiatives that make a direct and meaningful impact across the regi#NNYCFN#lead##leadingthewayheWay
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LEAD Council Holiday Giving Fund Awards Nearly $5,500 to Brighten Season Across the Region

nnycf.org

LEAD Council Holiday Giving Fund Awards Nearly $5,500 to Brighten Season Across the Region December 26, 2024 By admin Young Professionals Aid Senior Programs in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Coun...
4 months ago
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The Watertown-based manufacturer behind Little Trees air fresheners recently established the CAR-FRESHNER Corporation Charitable Fund at the Community Foundation.

Grant applications will be reviewed and awarded quarterly throughout the calendar year. Eligible nonprofit organizations may submit one application per year, with grant awards ranging from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $20,000 per application.

This year, 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.

The deadline for first-quarter 2025 grant applications is Friday, January 24, 2025. Visit bit.ly/grant-portal to access the Community Foundation’s online grant portal.

Complete details below.

#NNYCF #ThoughtfulGiving #Partnerships #Grantmaking
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CAR-FRESHNER Corp. Establishes Charitable Partnership With the Community Foundation

nnycf.org

CAR-FRESHNER Corp. Establishes Charitable Partnership With the Community Foundation December 23, 2024 By admin New Charitable Fund Will Support Various Community Projects and Initiatives Through Quart...
4 months ago
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Thank you, Car Freshener!

Becky Taylor

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