New York Law Justice and Legal Services Grants

The ConnectALL Initiative is accepting applications for its Municipal Infrastructure Program to support the development of open-access and publicly owned and/or controlled last mile fiber broadband infrastructure to deliver reliable high-speed internet service to homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions across the state. Donor Name: ConnectALL Initiative State: New York County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/12/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The mission of the New York State Urban Development Corporation d/b/a Empire State Development (“ESD”) is to promote a vigorous and growing state economy, encourage business investment and job creation, and support diverse, prosperous local economies across New York State (“NYS”) through the efficient use of loans, grants, tax credits, real estate development, marketing, and other forms of assistance. To support broadband access for communities across the state, ESD’s ConnectALL Office (“CAO”), offers a Municipal Infrastructure Program (“MIP”) Request for Applications (“RFA”).  Through this RFA, CAO intends to establish the Municipal Infrastructure Program (“MIP”) to support the development of open-access and predominantly publicly controlled last mile fiber broadband infrastructure that will directly connect homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions to reliable high-speed internet service, using funding from the U.S. Department of Treasury Capital Projects Fund (“CPF”). The objective of this RFA is to improve broadband access in communities across the state facing connectivity challenges due to the lack of affordable, high-speed internet infrastructure. Funding Information Total funding available: $228 Million Grant size: $30 million max per award Eligible Uses of Funds Eligible uses for program funding include construction of new infrastructure or acquisition of existing infrastructure under the following categories:  Last mile fiber connections to address: Last mile infrastructure: The cabling, wires, necessary pole replacements and make-ready and/or radios that ISPs use to distribute the internet from local Internet Exchanges to network and/or customer endpoints.  Drops to a building: The cabling or wires necessary to make the connection from passing fiber or cable on a street pole or in-street conduit into a building structure.  Fiber connections to Internet Exchange Points or Data Centers:  Middle mile fiber: The fiber necessary to transport internet services to a local Data Center where an Applicant is connecting its CPF-funded last mile infrastructure.  Networking equipment: The routers, switches, and other equipment necessary to interconnect networks in a Data Center.  Acquisition of existing infrastructure assets and related agreements:  Acquisition: The purchase of network assets from a public or private entity for incorporation by an Applicant into a Project Area, and related legal agreements. Eligibility Criteria Public Entities: Municipalities (cities, counties, towns, villages); Tribal Nations; state and local authorities; entities established pursuant to Section 99-y of the NYS General Municipal Law; not-for-profit entities with authorization from public entities; and regional planning boards formed under the provisions of NYS General Municipal Law. Municipal Utilities: Local government entities, including those established by a municipality as nonprofit Utility Cooperatives Eligible Private Partner Applicants, fitting one or more of the following descriptions, may submit applications with letters of endorsement from an Eligible Public Applicant. Eligible Private Partner Applicants can have an ownership structure that may be in the form of public-private partnership, private or shareholder ownership, nongovernmental nonprofit, non-utility cooperative, or community trust. Internet Service Providers (ISPs): Entities providing internet services to consumers, not limited to providers of cable television or telephone services.  Managed Service Providers (MSPs): Entities operating networks and providing service to residents and businesses by using existing internet infrastructure or partnering with construction entities to build networks.  Broadband Infrastructure Builders: Entities that construct and/or deploy open-access broadband infrastructure assets.  Broadband Infrastructure Owners: Entities that own, operate, or hold last mile or middle mile fiber infrastructure. For more information, visit ConnectALL Initiative.

The Air Products Greater Massena Community Fund provides financial support to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations and local governing bodies for a wide variety of programs, projects, and initiatives that improve the quality of life for residents in the Greater Massena community. Donor Name: Northern New York Community Foundation State: New York County: Franklin County (NY), Saint Lawrence County (NY) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding will be awarded to programs/projects benefiting community needs in areas including, but not limited to health and wellness, arts and culture, human services, education, families, youth and/or elders, environment and conservation, community development, recreation, and more. Each request will be evaluated for its potential impact on the Massena community and, in particular, its support for disadvantaged communities, the amount of funding available for disbursement, and the quality of the planning, leadership, and support of the applicant’s proposal.  Funding Information Up to $7,500 per grant application. Geographical Areas Greater Massena community within St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties. For more information, visit Northern New York Community Foundation.

This program provides $5 million in funding to nonprofit organizations in New York State to support mental health, workforce development, or housing initiatives for individuals aged 0-24 in communities disproportionately impacted by past drug policies.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Herkimer and Oneida counties to support programs and services that promote healthy lifestyles and access to resources for older adults.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties to support youth development programs that improve the quality of life in the region.

The Northern New York Community Foundation is accepting applications for the Dr. D. Susan Badenhausen Legacy Fund, offering grants between $10,000 to $100,000 to charitable organizations in St. Lawrence County that work in arts and culture, conservation and wildlife preservation, education, and health and well-being, with a deadline of October 18, 2024.

This funding provides financial support for municipal and nonprofit animal shelters in New York to improve their facilities for the care and containment of dogs and cats, particularly in underserved areas.

This funding opportunity provides up to $1 million to nonprofit organizations, educational agencies, and higher education institutions in New York State to create collaborative hubs that focus on preventing youth involvement in the justice system and improving outcomes for families and communities.

The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) is offering $325 million in grants for clean and drinking water projects to selected municipalities with infrastructure projects that protect public health and/or water quality. Donor Name: New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation State: New York County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/14/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: EFC and the NYS Department of Health (DOH) will evaluate all applications based on factors including protection of public health and water quality; median household income; population served; governmental and community support; environmental justice considerations; and the readiness of the project to proceed. WIIA Clean Water Projects An applicant with an eligible clean water project may receive a WIIA grant award as described below: A project, including all phases of the project, may be awarded the lesser of $25 million or 25% of net eligible project costs (total eligible project costs less any third-party grants awarded in respect of the project) Any grants administered through EFC will not be used to calculate net eligible project costs. Projects serving small, rural, and disadvantaged communities with a population of 3,500 or less may qualify for an enhanced WIIA award which will fund 50% of net eligible project costs. If a municipality applies for more than one project during the current round, EFC will prioritize the awards based on the scores of the projects until all the projects have received 25% of net eligible project costs or the $5 million cap per municipality has been reached. If the highest scoring project submitted by the municipality is awarded a grant that exceeds $5 million, the remaining applications will not be eligible for additional grant in the current round. WIIA Drinking Water Projects An applicant with an eligible drinking water project may receive WIIA grant funding as described below: A project addressing an emerging contaminant (EC) above the current State determined Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) may be awarded 70% of net eligible project costs with no cap. All other projects, which include all phases of the project, and including a project that addresses an EC below the State MCL may be awarded the lesser of $5 million or 60% of net eligible project costs. A Municipality may apply for a WIIA grant on more than one project, but each municipality is limited to receiving no more than $5 million per year, unless they have a project(s) that address an EC above the current State determined MCL. IMG Clean Water and Drinking Water Projects Cooperating municipalities with an eligible project may receive an IMG grant award as described below: The lesser of $30 million or 40% of net eligible project costs. A municipality is limited to receiving one IMG grant per year. If a municipality is awarded grant funds totaling more than $10 million for a project the grant(s) will be allocated over multiple years in increments not to exceed $10 million per year. Eligibility Criteria A WIIA grant or IMG grant is available only to a municipality, which is defined to include a county, city, town, village, district corporation, county or town improvement district, school district, Indian nation or tribe recognized by the state or the United States with a reservation wholly or partly within the boundaries of New York State, any public benefit corporation or public authority established pursuant to the laws of New York or any agency of the State that is empowered to construct and operate a water quality infrastructure project. Eligible projects include water quality infrastructure projects at municipally-owned sewage treatment works2 OR municipally-owned public water systems3 for: Construction, replacement, or repair of infrastructure; or Upgrades to comply with environmental and public health laws and regulations related to water quality; System upgrades and innovative pilot technologies to combat one or more EC, such as PFOA, PFOS and 1,4 dioxane; and System upgrades to address combined and/or sanitary sewer overflow impacts from sustained rain events Each WIIA and IMG project must meet the following criteria:  Result in construction for the requested scope; Not be for the construction of infrastructure that exclusively supports residential or commercial development; Must not have issued a Notice to Proceed before October 1, 2022 for construction of the project; Not have completed construction before June 14, 2024; and Include the applicable EFC terms and conditions in all contracts. Each IMG project must meet the following criteria: Serve multiple municipalities; Be a shared drinking water or sewage treatment infrastructure project, such as: More than one municipality jointly undertaking a capital improvement project, Consolidation of intermunicipal facilities, Joint upgrades to shared water quality infrastructure, Regional wastewater or water facilities, or Interconnection of multiple municipal water systems. Have a valid and binding project Intermunicipal Agreement (IMA) between at least two cooperating municipalities for the financing and implementation of the IMG project that describes the proposed project, the role of each municipality, and the costs attributable to each municipality; and Designate a “lead municipality” that applies on behalf of all cooperating municipalities. For more information, visit NYSEFC.

The Long Island Sound Futures Fund (LISFF) is seeking proposals to restore the health and living resources of Long Island Sound (Sound) with approximately $12 million for grants in 2024. Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) State: Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/13/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The program is managed by National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Long Island Sound Study (LISS). Major funding is from EPA through the LISS with additional funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Zoetis Foundation. Program Priorities  The LISFF supports efforts to test innovative approaches to conservation, deliver transformative projects and support people and communities who value the Sound and take a role in its future. A road map guiding investments under the LISFF is the Long Island Sound Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan 2020-2024 Update (CCMP). The Long Island Sound Futures Fund invests in projects under three CCMP themes shown below, in CCMP Implementation Actions (IAs) associated with each theme, and in three CCMP cross-cutting principles: resiliency to climate change, long-term sustainability, and environmental justice all defined in the CCMP. The most competitive proposals will be those that incorporate theme(s), IA(s) and one or more cross-cutting principle(s) of the CCMP. CCMP THEME: Clean Waters and Healthy Watersheds – Improve water quality by reducing nitrogen pollution, combined sewer overflows, impervious cover, stormwater runoff, and point and nonpoint source loading into Long Island Sound through: Implementation of “shovel-ready” projects that result in quantifiable pollutant prevention. The most competitive projects will be those that address water quality at a larger or more comprehensive scale such as a neighborhood, waterfront or downtown. Proposals will be asked to describe plans for long-term maintenance. Planning activities that set-the-stage for implementation of water quality projects including: 1) community engagement, planning and prioritization; 2) feasibility, suitability or alternatives analyses; 3) site assessment and conceptual design; and 4) final design and permitting. Projects in the Upper Basin states (MA, NH, VT) of the Long Island Sound Watershed must have a specific outcome related to nitrogen/nutrient prevention as a result of project activities through: Implementation of “shovel-ready” projects that result in quantifiable nitrogen/nutrient pollutant prevention with a benefit to Long Island Sound. Proposals will be asked to describe plans for long-term maintenance of the site.  Projects must quantify nitrogen/nutrient reductions in metrics. Planning for activities that set-the-stage for implementation of quantifiable nitrogen/nutrient pollutant prevention with a benefit to Long Island Sound including: 1) community engagement, planning and prioritization; 2) feasibility, suitability or alternatives analyses; 3) site assessment and conceptual design; and 4) final design and permits. Projects must document the benefit to downstream Long Island Sound such as by indicating how the project addresses a source of nitrogen/nutrient pollution, project location and how the design of the project and its implementation will effectively reduce downstream pollution loading. CCMP THEME: Thriving Habitats and Abundant Wildlife – 1) enhance or restore coastal habitats to maintain resilience and function and to support populations of fish, birds and wildlife; and 2) sustain the ecological balance of the Sound in a healthy, productive and resilient state for the benefit of people, wildlife and the natural environment. Implementing “shovel-ready” projects habitat restoration and/or nature based or green-gray hybrid resilience projects. Proposals will be asked to describe plans for long-term maintenance. Planning that sets-the-stage for implementation of projects including: 1) community engagement, planning and prioritization; 2) feasibility, suitability or alternatives analyses; 3) site assessment and conceptual design; and 4) final design and permits. Fostering diverse, balanced and abundant populations of fish, birds and wildlife. Consider the LISS Habitat Restoration Guidelines to inform development of a proposal. CCMP THEME: Sustainable and Resilient Communities – Support vibrant, informed, and engaged communities that use, appreciate, and help protect and sustain the Sound. Projects providing hands-on conservation experiences will be more competitive. Funding Information With funding of approximately $12 million for projects in 2024, there are multiple funding categories under the LISFF each with a different range of grant funding. Implementation Projects: $50,000 to $1.5 million for projects with particularly high environmental community benefit relative to cost, including: Water quality, habitat restoration, and resilience projects. Projects with the greatest promise to demonstrate, influence, pilot, innovate, and/or provide a proof of concept with the aim of accelerating local and regional water quality improvements, natural resource restoration, coastal resilience, Environmental Justice and/or community and public outreach and engagement. Design/Planning Projects: $50,000 to $500,000 for: Water quality or habitat restoration projects. Watershed plans. Community resilience/sustainability/natural hazard mitigation plans. Project Period Projects must start within six months and be completed within 24 months after notification of grant award. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies, local government, municipal government, Tribal Governments and Organizations, and educational institutions. For more information, visit NFWF.

The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) announces the availability of funds through the New Dairy Processor Start-up Grant program to support new dairy processing projects throughout the Northeast. Donor Name: Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Matching Grants Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/05/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The goal of this program is to help develop competitive dairy processing businesses with long-term viability, supporting operations of all sizes in successfully launching and sustaining their products in the marketplace.  This program is for:  Dairy farmers ready to begin processing,  Value-added entrepreneurs with proven experience in dairy processing and/or value-added business startups, including any relevant work experience, business ventures, products developed, and products brought to market, or  Dairy processors established after January 1, 2023, who are in the start-up phase of business development. Funds are intended to support start-up operations, focusing on tangible implementation rather than research and development, concept development, or initial planning. Funding Information Total available funds: $500,000 Minimum: $15,000  Maximum: $75,000 Project Period Grant periods will range from 12 – 18 months, depending on the project.  Eligibility Criteria This grant is open to applicants from all Northeast states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Applicants must fall into one of the following categories:  Dairy farmer that:  Produces milk within the Northeast  Is a licensed dairy operation in compliance with all required state and federal standards  Value-added business entrepreneur that meets the following requirements:  Sources milk or dairy components from within the Northeast and has evidence of a committed partnership with a farm or processor for sourcing these components  Has a business entity prior to applying  Can demonstrate experience in dairy processing and/or related value-added business startup, including any relevant work experience, business ventures, products developed, and products brought to market  Dairy processor established after January 1, 2023 that:  Has a business entity and milk processing license prior to applying  Sources milk or dairy components from within the Northeast and has evidence of a committed partnership with a farm or processor for sourcing these components.  Is in the start-up phase of business operations All applicants must also:  Be headquartered or based in the Northeast  Provide Proof of Concept demonstrating the viability of the business idea and product  Have a plan for new value-added dairy processing that includes market research, financial projections, a branding and marketing strategy, and a facility location  Obtain licenses to sell dairy products across state lines by the end of the grant period Launch their products in the marketplace or have a Letter of Commitment from a buyer, distributor, or retailer indicating plans to sell the product by the end of the grant period For more information, visit NE-DBIC.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Berkshire Taconic region to support capacity-building projects that enhance governance, diversity, and overall effectiveness in serving their communities.

The Scherman Foundation's Core Fund for Strengthening New York Communities focuses on challenging inequities and improving the conditions of New York City communities in need. The grant program supports housing justice, equitable economic development, gender equity, worker rights, immigrant community challenges, sustainable development, and police and carceral system reform. It also provides support for policy reform organizations collaborating with neighborhood-based groups. The Foundation prioritizes general operating support for smaller neighborhood groups and offers project-specific support for larger and policy-focused organizations or collaborative campaigns.

This program provides financial assistance to private landowners and organizations for planting new forests on non-forested lands of five acres or more in New York, helping to combat climate change and support local economies.

The Morton K. and Jane Blaustein Foundation is dedicated to addressing institutionalized racism, xenophobia, and the impact of climate change, primarily focusing on communities in Baltimore City, Maryland, DC regions, and New York. The foundation emphasizes support for initiatives that counteract the effects of climate change, particularly in marginalized communities. It funds efforts to establish bipartisan alliances for robust energy and climate policies at all government levels and backs grassroots organizations led by those most affected by climate change. Simultaneously, the foundation tackles racial inequities in the justice system and the disproportionate criminalization of youth of color in schools by supporting strategic advocacy and policy reform. It also champions the rights of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in the U.S. by funding immigrant-led advocacy for fair immigration policies, providing legal services, and supporting holistic networks aiding refugees and asylum seekers fleeing violence.

The Research and Education Grant program funds projects that result in gains in farmer knowledge, awareness, skills, and attitudes that are then applied to make measurable on-farm changes leading to greater sustainability. Donor Name: Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 4 Years Details: The focus on farmer behavior change is a key requirement of this grant program. A wide variety of topics can be funded by Northeast SARE, including marketing and business, crop production, raising livestock, aquaculture, social sustainability, urban and Indigenous agriculture and much more. Other aspects of projects funded through the Northeast SARE program include those that address climate-smart agriculture practices intended to improve ecological, social, and economic resilience to climate change; increase carbon sequestration; and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate-smart practices include reduced and no-till, cover crops, prescribed grazing, ruminant feed management, manure management, fertilizer management, and on-farm energy efficiency. In addition, projects may address traditional ecological knowledge. Funding Information Awards typically range from $30,000 to $250,000. Grant Period Typical project length is 2 to 3 years. The maximum project length allowed is 3.5 years. Geographical Focus  The Northeast region includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C. Eligible Applicants Research and Education Grants are open to anyone who works with farmers, including personnel at nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities, Cooperative Extension, municipalities, tribal governments, state departments of agriculture, federal agencies, research farms and experiment stations, for-profit business entities (such as private consultants, farmers and veterinary practices), etc. Northeast SARE encourages projects submitted from or in collaboration with women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). Additionally, they encourage projects submitted from or in collaboration with Minority Serving Institutions (including 1890s and other historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and tribal colleges and universities) and other organizations in the Northeast that work with historically underserved communities. Your organization must have the legal structure and financial capacity to receive and implement a Northeast SARE contract, including expending funds needed for the project prior to receiving reimbursements from Northeast SARE; advance payments are not possible. Projects must take place within the Northeast region. Applicants and host organizations may be located outside of the Northeast region if the project activities and the farmers served are located within the Northeast region. For more information, visit Northeast SARE.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Berkshire Taconic region for innovative projects that improve environmental quality and promote community health, with a focus on engaging at-risk and low-income youth.

The Rock Charitable Fund of the Northern New York Community Foundation is accepting applications to support from qualified charitable organizations, houses of worship, cemeteries, or governmental entities that serve St. Lawrence County residents. Donor Name: Northern New York Community Foundation State: New York County: Saint Lawrence County (NY) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: Grant funding is available to organizations whose missions and efforts align with the fund’s charitable purposes, which are:  To benefit or assist veterans of the United States military with their medical or recreational needs who live in St. Lawrence County;  For the maintenance and preservation of churches, houses of worship and cemeteries in St. Lawrence County; and  For the preservation and maintenance of places of legitimate historical significance in the county.  Funding Information  At least $100,000 in grant funding is available. Grant Period Up to 3 years. Eligibility Criteria Organizations that have received a grant award from this fund must wait three years before applying again for new funding. Awards to support veterans may only be made to qualified veteran organizations and cannot be made directly to individuals. However, grants are not restricted to Veterans Service Organizations and can be awarded to any nonprofit to help with programs or initiatives that directly support veterans. For more information, visit Northern New York Community Foundation.

The van Ameringen Foundation provides grants exclusively in the five boroughs of New York City and within the city limits of Philadelphia, as well as advocacy support at the national level. Donor Name: van Ameringen Foundation State: New York and Pennsylvania County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/26/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: Within its broad focus on mental health, the Foundation encourages innovative and practical grant proposals in areas which: increase the accessibility of mental health services to people and communities with limited financial means and opportunities; offer preventive and early-intervention strategies; advocate for systemic change with local or national impact. Types of Grant The van Ameringen Foundation provides general support and project specific grants in two overall categories: Direct Service Grants The Foundation funds programs and projects that provide a direct service, such as case management, assessment, counseling, psychotherapy, psychiatric care, training, or jobs, housing, and other supports to people and communities confronting significant mental illness. Non-Direct Service Grants Advocacy The Foundation funds strategies that seek to create changes in the law, public policy, or in the perceptions and practices of the public and private sectors responsible for improving mental healthcare, particularly in unserved or underserved communities. Media/Dissemination The Foundation funds efforts which seek to share research findings, best practices, and knowledge related to improving the mental health safety net and system. This may be in the form of a publication, training, or media project using traditional or new forms of communication. Training The Foundation funds activities that provide learning and skill-building opportunities for mental health providers, advocates, people living with mental illness, policymakers, and family or community members who are seeking to deepen their understanding, knowledge, treatment, or social change efforts. Funding Information Direct Service Grants Duration: Up to three years Between $25,000 – $75,000 annually Non-Direct Service Grants Duration: Up to three years Advocacy Grant Size: Up to $250,000 annually Media/Dissemination & Training Grant Size: Between $25,000 – $75,000 annually. The foundation does not fund The Foundation is not active in programs for intellectual disability or physical disability, nor do they make grants directly to individuals. Given the limited resources, the Foundation also is not able to support endowment campaigns, capital projects, annual fund-raising drives, or international activities and institutions. Foundation is no longer providing grants outside of New York City or Philadelphia. For more information, visit VAF.

Applications are now being accepted for the Rock Charitable Fund. Donor Name: Northern New York Community Foundation State: New York County: Saint Lawrence County (NY) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding is available for projects that specifically address existing structures/elements as well as technical assistance and planning support. No grants will be made for additions or modifications that substantially alter the historic character of the property. While interior improvements may be considered, exterior projects that are most publicly visible and accessible are preferred. Peripheral/incidental projects are not desired. Funding Information  At least $100,000 is available for the fund Eligibility Criteria  501(c)(3) charitable organizations, churches, houses of worship, cemeteries, or government entities may apply for support in one or more of the following focus areas: For the maintenance and preservation of churches, houses of worship, and cemeteries located in St. Lawrence County, New York or For the maintenance and preservation of places of legitimate historical significance located in St. Lawrence County, New York or To benefit and/or assist Veterans of the United States Military residing in St. Lawrence County, New York, for their medical and/or recreational needs. Any property must be wholly owned by the applicant organization. Funding is available for projects that specifically address existing structures/elements as well as technical assistance and planning support. No grants will be made for additions or modifications that substantially alter the historic character of the property. While interior improvements may be considered, exterior projects that are most publicly visible and accessible are preferred. Peripheral/incidental projects are not desired. Grants to cemeteries may support maintenance and preservation of the property as a whole or certain historic or aesthetically significant portions of the cemetery. The awards cannot be used to maintain or preserve specific burial plots, mausoleums, or monuments without the justification of particular significance and public benefit. Grants supporting Veterans can only be awarded to qualified organizations serving Veterans, but not necessarily only to Veterans Service Organizations. Awards may support programs but cannot be made directly to individuals. “ For more information, visit Northern New York Community Foundation.