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Northern New York Community Foundation

Northern New York Community Foundation

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Youth Philanthropy Council Offers Funding for Tri-County Nonprofits

October 15, 2019 By admin

Up to $20,000 Available; Grant Proposals Due Friday, Dec. 13, for Spring 2020 Decisions

     WATERTOWN —     The Northern New York Community Foundation Youth Philanthropy Council welcomes grant requests from nonprofit organizations of all types for projects, programs or initiatives that positively impact the quality of life in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties. The council will evaluate each proposal and has up to $20,000 in grant funding to award.

     For award consideration, completed grant applications must be received at the Northern New York Community Foundation, 131 Washington St., Watertown, N.Y. 13601, no later than Friday, Dec. 13, 2019. Council members will notify finalists selected to present proposals in the spring. The council will recommend grants for funding to the Community Foundation’s board of directors, which will review recommendations during its quarterly meeting in June 2020. This past spring, the Youth Philanthropy Council awarded 10 grants totaling $20,600 in support to nonprofit organizations that serve residents of  the tri-county region.

The 2019-2020 Northern New York Community Foundation Youth Philanthropy Class. Back row, from left: Sidney Wheeler III, South Jefferson High School; Lucas Barney, Watertown High School; Philip Marra III, Watertown High School; Maxwell Gray, South Jefferson High School; Logan Hess, South Jefferson High School; and Tadd Ledoux, Immaculate Heart Central High School. Middle row, from left: Ella Arnot, Watertown High School; Leatrice Kakolewski, Sackets Harbor High School; Dakota Sloat, Watertown High School; Romi LaClair, South Jefferson High School; Katherine DeLaGarza, Watertown High School; Shania Griffin, Watertown High School; and Madison Derouin, Sackets Harbor High School. Front row, from left: Samantha Farone, Immaculate Heart Central High School; Blake Edgar, South Jefferson High School; Hailyn Buker, South Jefferson High School; Katherine Banazek, South Jefferson High School; Anmolika Bolla, Watertown High School; and Isabelle Boyce, Watertown High School.

     “We hope to receive a diverse collection of grant proposals from nonprofit organizations across the tri-county region,” said Rande Richardson, Community Foundation executive director. “By applying, not only are organizations eligible for funding for meaningful programs and projects, it allows our community’s youth to learn more about the impact these charities have on our lives.”

     Nonprofit organizations that wish to apply for Youth Philanthropy Council grant funding should contact Mary Perrine, Community Foundation coordinator of partnerships, 315-782-7110, or maryp@nnycf.org. Proposals should include a description of the organization, its mission and how it serves tri-county residents, the requested grant amount, how any funding would be used, and the anticipated project or program impact.

    The Youth Philanthropy Council and its grant program is made possible by annual gifts made to the Friends of the Foundation Community Betterment Fund and generous support from Watertown Savings Bank, the Renzi Foodservice Charitable Foundation at the Northern New York Community Foundation, and RBC Wealth Management.

     This year’s Youth Philanthropy Council includes 19 representatives from Immaculate Heart Central School, Sackets Harbor Central School, South Jefferson Central School and Watertown High School. Each council member is in his or her sophomore, junior, or senior class. Representatives from each school district are:

     Immaculate Heart Central High School: Samantha Farone, senior; and Tadd Ledoux, junior.

     Sackets Harbor High School: Madison Derouin, senior.

     South Jefferson High School: Katherine Banazek, sophomore; Hailyn Buker, sophomore; Blake Edgar, junior; Maxwell Gray, junior; Logan Hess, junior; Romi LaClair, sophomore; and Sidney Wheeler III, sophomore.

     Watertown High School: Ella Arnot, sophomore; Lucas Barney, junior; Anmolika Bolla, sophomore; Isabelle Boyce, junior; Katherine DeLaGarza, senior; Shania Griffin, junior; Philip Marra III, junior; and Dakota Sloat, junior.

     The Youth Philanthropy Council was chartered in 2010 to promote positive youth development and engage young people in meaningful activities that build their skills while educating them about community philanthropy and its impact on Northern New York. Council members grow to become problem solvers as they engage in lessons that may never be taught in a classroom.

      Since its inception nine years ago, the Youth Philanthropy Council has awarded more than 90 grants to nonprofit organizations in the tri-county area, totaling $146,340 in support.

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 strategic partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous individual donors, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an endowment and collection of funds that benefit the community. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving 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.

Congratulations to Maddox Corey and Samantha Reynolds, the Class of 2026 recipients of the Northern New York Community Foundation Lewis and Ann Kibling Memorial Scholarship.

Maddox graduated in June from Watertown High School with a New York State Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation. He will attend SUNY Cortland this fall to study exercise science in a pre-physician’s assistant program. He also plans to continue his track and field career as a member of the Red Dragons pole vault program. Maddox is the son of Cortney Salisbury-Corey and Brett Corey, Watertown.

Samantha graduated in June from Lowville Academy and Central School with a New York State Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation. She will attend Onondaga Community College this fall to study physical education, where she also plans to continue her athletic career and play soccer for the Lazers. She aspires to become a physical education teacher. Samanatha is the daughter of Katie and Matt Reynolds, Lowville.

Maddox and Samantha recently met with Lewis and Ann’s children — Steve Kibling, Sue Kibling Gallagher, Sandy Kibling Drancsak, and Lew Kibling — who presented each of them with a $2,500 award to help them on their undergraduate journeys.

Margaret “Ann” and Lewis “Lew” Kibling left an indelible imprint on countless Northern New York students through decades of service as teachers, coaches, and mentors to youth across the region. The scholarship that honors their lives and legacies forever perpetuates their impact on North Country students.

The Lewis and Ann Kibling Memorial Scholarship was established at the Community Foundation in 2022 to provide support for graduating seniors attending college pursuing a degree in physical education or health studies. Like Lew and Ann, recipients will have demonstrated good character and be hard workers.

Pictured, from left, Steve Kibling; Sue Kibling Gallagher; scholarship recipients Samantha Reynolds and Maddox Corey; Sandy Kibling Drancsak; and Lew Kibling.

#NNYCF #FutureTeachers #ThoughtfulLegacy #ClassOf2026 #Scholars

Congratulations to Maddox Corey and Samantha Reynolds, the Class of 2026 recipients of the Northern New York Community Foundation Lewis and Ann Kibling Memorial Scholarship.

Maddox graduated in June from Watertown High School with a New York State Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation. He will attend SUNY Cortland this fall to study exercise science in a pre-physician’s assistant program. He also plans to continue his track and field career as a member of the Red Dragons pole vault program. Maddox is the son of Cortney Salisbury-Corey and Brett Corey, Watertown.

Samantha graduated in June from Lowville Academy and Central School with a New York State Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation. She will attend Onondaga Community College this fall to study physical education, where she also plans to continue her athletic career and play soccer for the Lazers. She aspires to become a physical education teacher. Samanatha is the daughter of Katie and Matt Reynolds, Lowville.

Maddox and Samantha recently met with Lewis and Ann’s children — Steve Kibling, Sue Kibling Gallagher, Sandy Kibling Drancsak, and Lew Kibling — who presented each of them with a $2,500 award to help them on their undergraduate journeys.

Margaret “Ann” and Lewis “Lew” Kibling left an indelible imprint on countless Northern New York students through decades of service as teachers, coaches, and mentors to youth across the region. The scholarship that honors their lives and legacies forever perpetuates their impact on North Country students.

The Lewis and Ann Kibling Memorial Scholarship was established at the Community Foundation in 2022 to provide support for graduating seniors attending college pursuing a degree in physical education or health studies. Like Lew and Ann, recipients will have demonstrated good character and be hard workers.

Pictured, from left, Steve Kibling; Sue Kibling Gallagher; scholarship recipients Samantha Reynolds and Maddox Corey; Sandy Kibling Drancsak; and Lew Kibling.

#NNYCF #FutureTeachers #ThoughtfulLegacy #ClassOf2026 #Scholars
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Well done!!

Congrats Sammy reynolds!!!

Congratulations to you both!!

Katie Reynolds

Samantha Reynolds is a superb choice…mature, determined and focused! congratulations to both!

Congratulations Maddox !👏👍and to Samantha Reynolds too!

Well done! Congratulations to both, well deserved!

Congratulations!

Congratulations Maddox !🎉- We’re so proud of you! — Kim and Gary ( friends of your grandma B )

WoooHOOOO!! Congratulations!!

Congratulations!

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We are pleased to announce the inaugural recipients of the Northern New York Community Foundation Friends of the Minna Anthony Common Nature Center Scholarship.

Representatives from the Friends of the Nature Center Board of Directors and the Minna Anthony Common Nature Center recently presented Thousand Islands High School graduate Sophia Cohen and Heuvelton High School graduate Connor G. Young with a $2,500 scholarship.

The two recent high school graduates share a passion for preserving the environment and each plan to pursue undergraduate studies in environmental-related fields of study.

Complete details below.

Minna Anthony Common Nature Center + Friends

#NNYCF #classof2026 #scholars #friendsofthenaturecenter
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First recipients of Community Foundation’s Friends of the Minna Anthony Common Nature Center Scholarship named

nnycf.org

First recipients of Community Foundation’s Friends of the Minna Anthony Common Nature Center Scholarship named July 27, 2026 By admin Recent high school graduates share a passion for the environment...
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congratulations!

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Meet South Jefferson High School rising sophomore Breckan Pelton.

For Breckan, “community means having people you can rely on; friends and family all within a close distance.

“Mannsville isn’t just a place to grow up. This community always strives to take care of one another. It may be a small town in size, but it has a large heart,” Breckan wrote in his winning essay.

Breckan is a Northern New York Community Foundation Community Spirit Youth Giving Challenge winner. He chose the Mannsville Free Library to receive a $1,000 grant for its work and mission. 

“In a small village like Mannsville, there aren’t many places for socialization with your friends. When I was younger, my sister and my friends and I would meet at the library, which was always welcoming and featured our book recommendations,” he wrote. “I hope this grant award will provide Mannsville Library the opportuni-ty to purchase new books and host new activities for children so they can have the same memories and expe-riences as I did.”

Breckan recently met with Mannsville Free Library Director Anne Fuller and presented a $1,000 Youth Giving Challenge grant that will help the library continue its work. The grant is made possible by gifts to the Friends of the Foundation Community Betterment Annual Fund, corporate support from Community Bank, N.A. and a major gift from an individual donor.

Pictured, from left: Anne Fuller, Mannsville Library director, and Youth Giving Challenge winner and South Jefferson High School rising sophomore Breckan Pelton.

We are grateful to Breckan for his thoughtful effort. We are even more impressed that he is one of dozens of tri-county youths who looked inside their communities to recognize an organization that works to improve quality of life. Breckan is the son of Shelbie and James Pelton, Mannsville. 

The 2025-2026 Youth Giving Challenge asked seventh, eighth, and ninth-grade students from Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties to explain in an essay what community means to them and to choose a nonprofit that embodies their definition of community. Breckan’s essay is one of 20 chosen from nearly 80 submissions that came from 26 different tri-county schools.

Look for more photos and stories behind the Community Spirit Youth Giving Challenge in the coming weeks.

#NNYCF #MannsvilleFreeLibrary #CommunitySpirit #YouthGivingChallenge

Meet South Jefferson High School rising sophomore Breckan Pelton.

For Breckan, “community means having people you can rely on; friends and family all within a close distance.

“Mannsville isn’t just a place to grow up. This community always strives to take care of one another. It may be a small town in size, but it has a large heart,” Breckan wrote in his winning essay.

Breckan is a Northern New York Community Foundation Community Spirit Youth Giving Challenge winner. He chose the Mannsville Free Library to receive a $1,000 grant for its work and mission.

“In a small village like Mannsville, there aren’t many places for socialization with your friends. When I was younger, my sister and my friends and I would meet at the library, which was always welcoming and featured our book recommendations,” he wrote. “I hope this grant award will provide Mannsville Library the opportuni-ty to purchase new books and host new activities for children so they can have the same memories and expe-riences as I did.”

Breckan recently met with Mannsville Free Library Director Anne Fuller and presented a $1,000 Youth Giving Challenge grant that will help the library continue its work. The grant is made possible by gifts to the Friends of the Foundation Community Betterment Annual Fund, corporate support from Community Bank, N.A. and a major gift from an individual donor.

Pictured, from left: Anne Fuller, Mannsville Library director, and Youth Giving Challenge winner and South Jefferson High School rising sophomore Breckan Pelton.

We are grateful to Breckan for his thoughtful effort. We are even more impressed that he is one of dozens of tri-county youths who looked inside their communities to recognize an organization that works to improve quality of life. Breckan is the son of Shelbie and James Pelton, Mannsville.

The 2025-2026 Youth Giving Challenge asked seventh, eighth, and ninth-grade students from Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties to explain in an essay what community means to them and to choose a nonprofit that embodies their definition of community. Breckan’s essay is one of 20 chosen from nearly 80 submissions that came from 26 different tri-county schools.

Look for more photos and stories behind the Community Spirit Youth Giving Challenge in the coming weeks.

#NNYCF #MannsvilleFreeLibrary #CommunitySpirit #YouthGivingChallenge
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Outstanding job

Way to go Breckan!!!

Excellent job Breckan!

Congratulations!!

Great job Breckan!!

Congratulations Breckan!

Way to go, Breckan!

Well done Brecken!

Congratulations to both Breckan and the Mannsville Free Library. This is great!!

WTG Breckan! (Richard🤣🤣) I'm really proud of you!

Congratulations Breckan! Such a great feeling.

So thoughtful

Congratulations, Breckan! We love the Mannsville Library, too.

I love this! Breckan is a kind, caring, intelligent young man and we are so fortunate to have him as part of our community.

Congratulations.

Congratulations Breckan! 👏👏

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