LEAD Impact Grant Program

The LEAD Impact Grant Program is a competitive grant opportunity offered by the Northern New York Community Foundation through its LEAD Council, a volunteer advisory committee composed of young professionals living and working in the North Country region. The program aims to support nonprofit initiatives that create meaningful impact in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties. In 2026, nonprofit organizations serving these tri-county communities are invited to apply for funding of up to $20,000, with a minimum grant award of $5,000 per recipient. The LEAD Council—an acronym reflecting the values of Leadership, Engagement, Access, and Direction—has been an active component of the Community Foundation since 2014. The Council is composed of 21 young professionals who are committed to enhancing the quality of life in Northern New York. Each year, the group solicits proposals that align with targeted priorities relevant to the region. For this grant cycle, projects must address at least one of the following key focus areas: basic human needs, mental health and wellness, or workforce development and job training. Applications must be submitted online through the Foundation’s Grant Lifecycle Manager (GLM) portal. Interested organizations are encouraged to register in the portal prior to initiating an application. Returning applicants with existing GLM credentials may log in and begin their submissions. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, October 14, 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered, and funding is not awarded retroactively for completed projects. The LEAD Council seeks proposals that are innovative and demonstrate measurable, lasting outcomes for the organization and the communities served. In 2024, the Council awarded nearly $20,000 in total support to seven regional nonprofits. Funded projects included the installation of a hygiene vending machine at a behavioral health clinic, the expansion of community kitchens and food access programs, and the establishment of inclusive recreation spaces for neurodivergent youth and young adults. Other awards supported programs offering nutrition assistance and student-focused agriculture incentives. Grant proposals will be reviewed by the LEAD Council in October and November, with final funding decisions made in December 2025. Grant notifications will be issued in early January 2026, after the holiday season. Selected organizations will receive funding to implement their proposed initiatives in the new calendar year. Applicants are reminded that grants will not be awarded as reimbursement for already completed projects. For questions about the LEAD Impact Grant Program, interested applicants can contact Max DelSignore, Vice President of the Northern New York Community Foundation, via email at max@nnycf.org or by phone at 315-782-7110. Additional information and the application portal are accessible online at bit.ly/grant-portal. The Northern New York Community Foundation is located at 131 Washington Street, Watertown, NY 13601.

Demonstrate innovation and measurable impact. Submit only through the online GLM portal. No funds will be awarded for past work.