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Northern New York Community Foundation

Northern New York Community Foundation

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Youth Philanthropy Council

Youth Philanthropy Council Class of 2026

Cultivating the Next Generation in Philanthropy

The Youth Philanthropy Council is an advisory committee of the Northern New York Community Foundation. It was chartered in 2010 to promote positive youth development and leadership while engaging young people in meaningful activities that build their skills and deepen their understanding of community needs and philanthropy and its impact on Northern New York. Council members grow to become critical thinkers as they engage in lessons that may never be taught in a classroom.

Since its inception in 2010, the Youth Philanthropy Council has awarded 155 grants totaling $285,070 in support to nonprofit organizations that serve residents of Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.

In the past 15 years, nearly 170 students representing eight Northern New York high schools have served or are presently serving on the Youth Philanthropy Council. Click here to view a list of YPC alumni.

This year’s Youth Philanthropy Council includes 14 representatives from Carthage, General Brown, Immaculate Heart, Lyme, and South Jefferson central schools, and Watertown High School. Council members are in their junior, or senior class.

Council recruiting

Recruiting for the Class of 2026-2027 is NOW CLOSED. Our advisor team is reviewing applications for service and will contact students selected for an interview soon.

Questions?

Contact Emily Pfeil, emily@nnycf.org or call 315-782-7110 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays.


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 pleased to announce the launch of the Potsdam Community Fund, a new charitable endowed fund established in partnership with donors who share a strong commitment to the Potsdam area.

Thanks to the generosity of founding donors and Potsdam natives David and Ellen Wagner who provided a $250,000 establishing gift, the fund will begin grantmaking this year.

The new Potsdam Community Fund is a permanent philanthropic resource that will support projects, programs, and initiatives that enhance the quality of life in the Potsdam area.

In this inaugural year, the Northern New York Community Foundation is excited to announce that it has awarded an additional $100,000 as a matching grant, which means all new gifts to the Potsdam Community Fund will be doubled, dollar-for-dollar.

Those who wish to join in supporting the fund may make a secure online gift at bit.ly/PotsdamCF or by mail to: Potsdam Community Fund, c/o Northern New York Community Foundation, 131 Washington St., Watertown, NY 13601.

Complete details: nnycf.org/potsdam-community-fund

#NNYCF #PCF #potsdam #communityfund #ThoughtfulGiving
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Community Foundation launches Potsdam Community Fund in partnership with Potsdam natives and founding donors

nnycf.org

Community Foundation launches Potsdam Community Fund in partnership with Potsdam natives and founding donors June 29, 2026 By admin Permanent charitable resource for Potsdam will help strengthen quali...
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Attention parents, teachers, and youth leaders: Do you know a Jefferson County student who will be a high school freshman this fall?

The Community Foundation is hosting its first summer Youth Philanthropy Experience the week of July 27 and there’s still room for students to secure a seat!

This unique weeklong summer experience is exclusively for students who live in Jefferson County and are entering ninth grade this fall. Participants will learn about giving back to their community through volunteerism, leadership, grantmaking, and other ways they can help nonprofit organizations working to strengthen our communities.

Hear all the details in a Tunes Ninetytwofive interview with Community Foundation Philanthropy Associate Emily Pfeil at on.soundcloud.com/KIihmt5qgNe0Q2PNpO

Interested students should visit nnycf.org/summer-ype to obtain an application and apply today.

#NNYCF #Leadership #YouthDevelopment #SummerExperience #YPE #YPC
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Summer Youth Philanthropy Experience

nnycf.org

Summer Youth Philanthropy Experience Advisor Leslie Renzi, far right, leads Youth Philanthropy Council students in a team-building activity in 2023. (Kara Dry Photography) New Summer ‘Youth Philanth...
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Congratulations to Sackets Harbor senior Tanner J. Antonson, the 2026 recipient of the Northern New York Community Foundation Laurie Renzi Gadsden Award.

Ranked seventh in his class, Tanner was awarded a $1,000 Community Foundation scholarship during the districts High School Academic Recognition night this month. He plans to attend the University of New Haven, Connecticut, this fall to study forensic science.

Tanner also completed the criminal justice program at Jeff-Lewis BOCES and was active in the student-led program Skills USA. He aspires to work in the criminal justice field as a forensic investigator. Tanner is the son of Michelle Lunderman, Sackets Harbor.

Given by Gabriel Renzi and Dr. Eugene and Joyce Renzi and family, the Laurie Renzi Gadsden Award was established at the Community Foundation in 2022 in Laurie’s memory to honor her life and perpetuate her legacy of kindness and positivity. A school guidance counselor, Laurie passed away in August 2021 at the age of 57.

Pictured, from left: Laurie’s mother, Joyce Renzi; award recipient Tanner Antonson; Laurie’s sister, Jennifer Renzi Kelly, and Jennifer’s husband, Bo Kelly.

We are grateful to the Renzi family for choosing us as the permanent home of Laurie’s legacy and this meaningful award that embodies her character.

#NNYCF #ThoughtfulLegacies #SacketsPatriots #CLassOf2026

Congratulations to Sackets Harbor senior Tanner J. Antonson, the 2026 recipient of the Northern New York Community Foundation Laurie Renzi Gadsden Award.

Ranked seventh in his class, Tanner was awarded a $1,000 Community Foundation scholarship during the district's High School Academic Recognition night this month. He plans to attend the University of New Haven, Connecticut, this fall to study forensic science.

Tanner also completed the criminal justice program at Jeff-Lewis BOCES and was active in the student-led program Skills USA. He aspires to work in the criminal justice field as a forensic investigator. Tanner is the son of Michelle Lunderman, Sackets Harbor.

Given by Gabriel Renzi and Dr. Eugene and Joyce Renzi and family, the Laurie Renzi Gadsden Award was established at the Community Foundation in 2022 in Laurie’s memory to honor her life and perpetuate her legacy of kindness and positivity. A school guidance counselor, Laurie passed away in August 2021 at the age of 57.

Pictured, from left: Laurie’s mother, Joyce Renzi; award recipient Tanner Antonson; Laurie’s sister, Jennifer Renzi Kelly, and Jennifer’s husband, Bo Kelly.

We are grateful to the Renzi family for choosing us as the permanent home of Laurie’s legacy and this meaningful award that embodies her character.

#NNYCF #ThoughtfulLegacies #SacketsPatriots #CLassOf2026
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Congratulations, Tanner!!

Congratulations 👏

Congratulations

Congratulations! 🎉

Congratulations Tanner!

Congratulations Tanner!

Congratulations Tanner.

Congratulations, Tanner!! 🎉🌟 Well deserved!!

Congratulations Tanner!! 🎉

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