The Northern New York Community Foundation has announced a funding opportunity through the newly established Lewis County Historic Preservation Fund. This initiative provides up to $100,000 in total funding to support preservation and restoration projects focused on places of historic significance within Lewis County, New York. The Foundation, which has supported communities in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties since 1929, aims to strengthen community identity and preserve local heritage through this funding.
The grant supports projects by 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and churches whose properties are entirely located within Lewis County. Eligible projects must involve the preservation or restoration of historically significant structures that retain their original character. Specifically, the funding must be used for exterior work on buildings or elements that are publicly accessible and not for additions or modifications that would significantly alter the historical integrity of the site. Properties must be wholly owned by the applicant, and cemeteries are not eligible.
Applications are open as of May 30, 2025, and must be submitted via the Foundation’s online portal by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025. Projects must not begin before September 30, 2025, and the Foundation will not reimburse any expenses incurred before this date. Award notifications will be made by October 17, 2025, and funds will be disbursed prior to project start based on need and timeline.
There is no matching requirement for this grant, and the Foundation may award full or partial funding based on the total number of applications and alignment with the grant priorities. Although the number of awards is not specified, the Foundation intends to support several meaningful projects within the funding cap.
Applicants are encouraged to contact Kraig Everard, Director of Philanthropy, before submission to discuss funding amounts and project details. He can be reached at kraig@nnycf.org or 315-782-7110. The program is expected to recur, with the next cycle likely opening in July 2026.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Foundation before applying.
