Grants for Good

The Northern New York Community Foundation, a longstanding philanthropic organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in the region, administers the Grants for Good program. This initiative is specifically tailored to support nonprofit organizations operating in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties of Northern New York. The Foundation’s mission-driven approach emphasizes community betterment through strategic funding partnerships and legacy donor support. Its stewardship of various charitable funds ensures a broad base of financial resources directed toward local initiatives that align with pressing regional needs. Grants for Good encourages nonprofit organizations to identify and pursue priority projects that directly support their missions and make tangible contributions to the community. Applicants are expected to clearly articulate their program goals, demonstrate alignment with local needs, and provide compelling rationale for the use of funds. The Foundation seeks detailed applications that emphasize planning and outcomes, positioning nonprofits to make a substantial impact through targeted investments in services, programming, infrastructure, or other mission-critical areas. This is a regionally focused grant program with eligibility restricted to organizations based in and serving Jefferson, Lewis, or St. Lawrence counties. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with quarterly reviews conducted by the Foundation. The submission deadlines for 2026 are February 20 (Q1), April 17 (Q2), July 17 (Q3), and October 23 (Q4). Final funding decisions are made by the Foundation’s Board of Directors following each review cycle. Only one active application per organization is permitted at a time, and nonprofits must apply based on the geographic location and impact area of the proposed project. To apply, eligible organizations must create or access an online user account through the Foundation’s grants portal. Prior to submission, applicants are encouraged to consult Foundation staff to ensure alignment and strengthen their proposals. The application platform includes resources such as FAQs and guidance documents to assist users in navigating the process. Grantmaking decisions are informed by a combination of donor-directed legacy funds and unrestricted gifts contributed to the Friends of the Foundation Community Betterment Annual Fund. Evaluation criteria include the project’s relevance to local needs, clarity of goals and expected outcomes, organizational capacity, and the potential for lasting benefit. The Foundation encourages nonprofits to submit thoughtful proposals that demonstrate a strategic approach to improving quality of life in the counties served. Grants awarded may vary in size depending on fund availability and project scope, and while a specific match is not required, proposals that leverage additional support or partnerships may be more competitive. Contact information for key staff members, including Emily Pfeil and Kraig Everard, is provided for organizations seeking additional guidance or clarification during the application process.