Up to $3,500 Available for Nonprofit Organizations Serving Greater Theresa Area
THERESA — Nonprofit organizations serving residents of the greater Theresa area are encouraged to apply for a share of up to $3,500 in funding from the Wilcox Community Fund for Theresa of the Northern New York Community Foundation.
Successful projects, programs or initiatives should have yearlong, meaningful impact and support the quality of life and vibrancy of the greater Theresa area and Indian River Lakes Region of Jefferson County. Areas of focus include, but are not limited to: health and wellness, arts and culture, economic development, recreational programs, community revitalization and beautification, essential needs, historic preservation, environmental programs, youth development, quality of life activities and projects, and more.
Last year, the Wilcox Community Fund for Theresa awarded $4,000 in grant funding to support four local projects, including:
- Theresa Youth Commission, $2,000 to help purchase and install playground equipment at Theresa Memorial Park, where the Youth Commission holds its annual summer recreation program.
- Theresa Fire Department, $1,000 to help acquire new ventilation fans for use while responding to structure fires.
- Preservation Alliance of Hyde Lake, $500 to support a community outreach initiative aimed at educating residents in the Hyde Lake basin on lake-friendly practices to improve water quality.
- North Country Adventure Team, $500 to help purchase bike stands, communication radios, tools, pumps, safety equipment, and first aid kits to increase the number of riding groups from five to ten and accommodate growing demand from local families.
The Wilcox Community Fund for Theresa is a component fund of the Russell I. Wilcox Family Fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation. It supports programs, activities, and initiatives that advance the general welfare of the Theresa community and greater Indian River Lakes Region of Jefferson County.
Lifelong Theresa residents Russell I. and Mary Wilcox established this family legacy fund at the Community Foundation in 2019 to help strengthen the quality of life in their community. Mr. Wilcox passed away last year at the age of 84. The Wilcox Community Fund for Theresa perpetuates his life and legacy in the most meaningful and enduring way.
Eligible nonprofit organizations seeking support should submit proposals by Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, for consideration. Organizations that do not have 501(c)(3) classification are required to partner with an eligible nonprofit, municipality, or local agency as a fiscal sponsor. Agencies seeking funding must confirm partnership with an eligible nonprofit or fiscal sponsor when submitting a proposal.
Requests for funding will not be considered for work commencing before April 2026. Grant recipients will have up to one year from the date of the grant award to complete the project.
All grant applications must be completed through the Community Foundation’s online grant portal, which may be accessed at bit.ly/grant-portal. Grant awards will be determined in March and, in most cases, announced no later than April 15.
Contact Kraig Everard, Community Foundation director of philanthropy, kraig@nnycf.org, or 315-782-7110 to learn more about this opportunity to enhance the Theresa area.
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.