OVERVIEW: The Northern New York Community Foundation supports human services, health and wellness, arts and culture, education, families and youth, community development, and recreation in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties in New York.
FUNDING AREAS: Human services, health and wellness, arts and culture, education, families and youth, community development, recreation
IP TAKE: This is a very responsive community funder that considers new grants each quarter of the year and is open to nearly any local nonprofit cause.
PROFILE: Established in 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation (NNYCF) is a community foundation based in Watertown, New York. Led by community members, NNYCF made its first grant in 1934 and has since expanded its interests and to a broader geographic region. The foundation “raises, manages and administers an endowment and collection of funds for the benefit of the community, built and added to by gifts from individuals and organizations committed to meeting the changing needs of Northern New York.” NNYCF funds local human services, health and wellness, arts and culture, education, families and youth, community development, and recreation efforts.
The Northern New York Community Foundation supports a wide variety of topics that positively improve the quality of life in the region. The funder is responsive to changing community needs and funds programs and projects. NNYCF prioritizes efforts based on planning quality, leadership, passion, and vision.
Grants range between about $1,000 and $100,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving on the recent grant recipients page of the funder’s website. Grantmaking focuses on communities in the New York counties of Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence. Past local grantees include Thompson Park Conservancy, Watertown Family YMCA, and food pantries in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.
This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits. NNYCF reviews Jefferson and Lewis County grant applications four times per year in January, April, July, and October, with requests of $5,000 or less approved at the committee level and larger requests referred to the board of directors. It reviews St. Lawrence County proposals twice per year in April and July. Direct general questions to the staff at nfo@nnycf.org or 315-782-7110. The foundation also has its own podcast to share interviews and highlight stories of community philanthropy.
PEOPLE:
Search for staff contact info and bios in PeopleFinder (paid subscribers only).
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