Northern New York Community Foundation

About Northern New York Community Foundation

Northern New York Community Foundation Inc gives broadly through general support, with its largest recent awards concentrated in local health, human services, and community institutions. In the recent grants list, Hospice of Jefferson County Inc received $240,890 in 2024 and Watertown Family YMCA received $192,275 the same year, showing a funding pattern centered on established organizations that serve everyday needs. Other large awards went to Samaritan Medical Center - Presidentceo, the City of Watertown, and Wilderness Health Care Foundation - Hynes, all for general support, reinforcing a preference for flexible operating dollars rather than narrowly restricted project grants. The foundation’s public profile emphasizes stewardship, vibrant North Country communities, and support for a wide set of community needs. Its active grant programs include county-based opportunities for nonprofits in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties, along with scholarship programs for students in the same tri-county region. Recent grants also reach arts, education, recreation, and conservation organizations, including the Antique Boat Museum, Thousand Islands Land Trust Inc, and The Orchestra of Northern New York. The mix of recipients suggests a grantmaker that backs both direct-service providers and community institutions across the North Country.

What Northern New York Community Foundation Funds

Human services are a major thread in the foundation’s giving. Hospice of Jefferson County Inc received $240,890 for general support, and Friends of Lewis County Hospice received $130,400 for general support, indicating sustained attention to end-of-life care and related community services. Health care also appears prominently: Samaritan Medical Center - Presidentceo was awarded $150,000 for general support, while Wilderness Health Care Foundation - Hynes received $137,500 in 2025. The foundation also supports education and youth-oriented institutions. Lowville Academy and Central School received $82,727 in 2024, and Jefferson Community College Foundation received $59,500 in 2025, both for general support. Arts and culture show up as well, with the Antique Boat Museum receiving $112,140 and Thousand Islands Arts Center receiving $51,900. Conservation and recreation are part of the pattern too, including Thousand Islands Land Trust Inc at $67,375 and Double Play Sports Community Center at $100,000.

How Northern New York Community Foundation Gives