John and Dorotha VanNess Family Fund

The John and Dorotha VanNess Family Fund, managed by the Northern New York Community Foundation, offers financial support to nonprofit organizations that are actively working to enhance the quality of life in the greater Potsdam area. Established in 2018, the fund honors the legacy of John S. and Dorotha T. VanNess, community advocates who contributed significantly to Potsdam through local business and volunteer involvement. Their enduring commitment to community prosperity is recognized through this grant program that encourages initiatives with measurable impact. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or those partnering with an eligible fiscal sponsor such as another nonprofit, municipality, or qualified public entity. The program specifically targets projects that serve the greater Potsdam area and align with focus areas including health and wellness, arts and culture, economic development, education, recreation programs, community revitalization and beautification, strategic planning and research, and other quality-of-life improvements. A total of up to $25,000 is available for this funding cycle, and it is expected that this sum may be distributed among multiple applicants. Grant requests for projects beginning prior to September 2025 will not be considered. Once awarded, recipients will have up to one year to complete their funded projects. Applicants are encouraged to reach out to the Foundation to discuss suitable funding amounts before submission. Applications must be submitted by July 18, 2025, and grant determinations will be made in September 2025. Emily Pfeil, Philanthropy Associate, serves as the primary contact for this fund and can be reached via email at emily@nnycf.org. The application requires comprehensive information, including nonprofit status confirmation, mission statement, fiscal sponsor details (if applicable), and project information such as a name, focus area, program description, inputs, activities, outputs, and a detailed budget. Applicants must also list collaborating organizations, funding sources, project goals, measurable outcomes, and sustainability strategies. Additionally, applicants are expected to describe how they will acknowledge the support of the fund and the Northern New York Community Foundation. Attachments to be submitted include the current year's operating budget and any supporting materials such as media or publications relevant to the project or organization.

Applicants are encouraged to discuss the request with the Foundation before submission; no retroactive funding for work beginning prior to September 2025