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Northern New York Community Foundation

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Northern New York Community Foundation

Working with donors to benefit the community through grants and scholarships since 1929.
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Through partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous families and individual donors, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an endowment and collection of funds that benefit the region. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving and honoring legacies of co

mmunity philanthropy while inspiring others. The Community Foundation is a resource for local charitable organizations, donors, professional advisors and nonprofit organizations. It also works to bring people together at its permanent home in the Northern New York Philanthropy Center to discuss challenges our communities face and find creative solutions that strengthen the region and make it a great place to live, work, and play.

09/03/2026

Congratulations to the first recipients of the Northern New York Community Foundation JP North Country Music Scholars.

Carthage High School graduates Madison E. Williams and Emery F. Monnat, Potsdam High School graduate Olivia Ashley, and Lowville Academy and Central School graduate Joshua P. Weiler were each awarded a $750 scholarship during a recent presentation at the Community Foundation with SUNY Potsdam Crane School of Music Professor Emeritus and scholarship founder James “JP” Petercsak.

An acclaimed music educator and percussionist, Professor Emeritus Petercsak touched the lives of countless students throughout a career of more than 50 years as a professor at the Crane School of Music. He joined the faculty in 1968 and served as head of percussion until his retirement in 2023. The JP North Country Music Scholarship extends his life’s work in many facets of music as a performer, teacher, conductor, clinician, consultant, and as a music industry personality and visionary.

Pictured, from left: Class of 2026 Northern New York Community Foundation JP North Country Music Scholarship recipients Madison E. Williams and Emery F. Monnat; SUNY Potsdam Crane School of Music Professor Emeritus and scholarship founder James “JP” Petercsak; scholarship recipients Olivia Ashley and Joshua P. Weiler.

Complete details: nnycf.org/jp-music-scholars

08/31/2026

The Youth Philanthropy Council of the Northern New York Community Foundation kicked off a new program year on Aug. 19 with a meet and greet for new and returning students. Eight veteran Council members welcomed 12 new students from Watertown High School, General Brown, South Jefferson, and Immaculate Heart.

The day included lunch at the Philanthropy Center icebreaker activities, a nonprofit scavenger hunt, and a talk with our President and CEO.

Students were challenged to visit four nonprofit organizations in Downtown Watertown to meet with leadership and learn more about their work and mission. Thank you to the Watertown Family YMCA, Victims Assistance Center of Jefferson County, Inc., Literacy of Northern New York, and Flower Memorial Library.

The class is ready to embark on a journey of personal and professional growth, learning about community needs and how philanthropy helps strengthen our region and beyond.

Stay tuned as we formally introduce this year’s Council in an upcoming post.

08/27/2026

Congratulations to Jordan Alberry and Cohen M. Hunter, the inaugural recipients of the Northern New York Community Foundation Shawn M. Baker Memorial Scholarship.

Jordan graduated from Lyme High School in June and began her freshman year at Jefferson Community College this week where she is studying early childhood education. She plans to become an elementary school teacher and hopes to work in a local school district.

Cohen graduated from General Brown High School in June and will begin his freshman year at SUNY Brockport next week where he is studying mathematics and education. He aspires to become a teacher.

Jordan and Cohen recently met with Shawn’s wife, JoAnn, children, Kyle and Kelly Daugherty, and grandchildren, Caitlin and Brendan Daugherty, who presented each of them with a $1,000 scholarship.

For more than 30 years, Shawn M. Baker dedicated his life to helping young people discover their potential. Whether teaching physical education, coaching student-athletes, or serving as a trusted school administrator, he viewed every interaction as an opportunity to encourage growth, build confidence, and prepare students for success beyond graduation. He believed every young person deserved someone who believed in them first.

Through the Shawn M. Baker Memorial Scholarship, his lifelong commitment to education continues to open doors for students, ensuring his belief in the power of learning and mentorship will inspire future generations.

Pictured, from left: Shawn’s grandson, Brendan Daugherty; daughter, Kelly Daugherty; wife, JoAnn; scholarship recipients Jordan Alberry and Cohen M. Hunter; granddaughter Caitlin Daugherty, and son, Kyle.

08/26/2026

Young leaders. Big impact. 🌟

Seven Jefferson County rising ninth graders spent a week this summer learning that philanthropy isn’t just about giving, it’s about understanding your community and finding ways to make it stronger.

Through the Community Foundation’s inaugural summer Youth Philanthropy Experience, students visited local nonprofits, including The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence, Jefferson County SPCA and Town of Watertown Ambulance; heard from community leaders; explored local needs and volunteerism; and ultimately allocated $5,000 in grant funding.

Along the way, Emma Arndt, Mia Barayuga, Madison Cain, Grace Hale, Maddox Hartle, Lauren McManaman and Alex Stickel developed leadership, civic engagement, and philanthropy skills that will serve them well for years to come.

We’re proud to invest in the next generation of community leaders and excited to see what they do next. 💚

08/25/2026

Join our growing team and help strengthen the communities we call home while making an enduring difference across Northern New York.

This is a special opportunity to work alongside a talented, mission-driven team while helping to create meaningful, lasting impact for our donors and partners.

Position qualifications and application details: nnycf.org/employment

08/21/2026

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 Northern New York Community Foundation George C. Boldt Sr. Scholarship recipients.

Belleville Henderson High School graduate May M. Gordon, General Brown High School graduate Emma J. Lavarnway, and Sackets Harbor High School graduate Roman L. Peebles were each awarded a two-year, $10,000 scholarship during a recent reception at Boldt Castle.

Descendants of Mr. Boldt, led by great-grandson Malcolm Goodridge III, established the George C. Boldt Scholarship at the Community Foundation in 2017 to honor the life of the famed hotelier and philanthropist. Dozens of North Country donors generously contributed to help perpetuate Mr. Boldt’s legacy.

Pictured, from left: Class of 2026 Northern New York Community Foundation George C. Boldt Scholarship recipients Emma J. Lavarnway, General Brown High School; Roman L. Peebles, Sackets Harbor High School; and May M. Gordon, Belleville Henderson High School.

Complete details: nnycf.org/boldt-scholars-26

08/19/2026

Congratulations to Madelyn M. Greene, the inaugural recipient of the Northern New York Community Foundation Hon. Eugene Langone Jr. Scholarship.

Madelyn graduated in June from Belleville Henderson High School and will attend the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, to study biology this fall. She aspires to work in environmental conservation.

Madelyn recently met with Gene’s wife, Amy, and daughter, Nicole, who presented her with a $1,000 scholarship.

The Hon. Eugene Langone Jr. Scholarship was established at the Community Foundation in 2025 to honor Gene’s life and legacy of service after his unexpected passing.

A longtime attorney and retired Jefferson County Family Court Judge, Gene was a staunch advocate for children who devoted his life to serving others — with compassion, integrity and a genuine belief in the potential of young people. Through this scholarship, his legacy of mentorship, service and generosity will continue opening doors and inspiring future generations to make a difference in their communities.

Pictured, from left: Gene’s daughter, Nicole Morrissey; grandson, James; granddaughter, Addison; wife, Amy; scholarship recipient Madelyn Greene; and Madelyn’s father, Matt.

08/17/2026

Congratulations to Leila M. Schaber, the Class of 2026 recipient of the Northern New York Community Foundation Barbara and Burt Phillips Education Scholarship.

Leila graduated in June from Watertown High School and will attend Elmira College this fall to study early education and biology. She aspires to become a teacher.

Barbara and Burt Phillips were teachers in the Watertown City School District for 25 and 30 years, respectively, touching the lives of countless students. To honor their lifelong commitment to students and education, the Barbara and Burt Phillips Education Scholarship was established at the Community Foundation shortly after Barbara passed away in November 2022.

Barbara and Burt left an indelible imprint on countless Northern New York students through a combined 55 years of service in public education, mentoring many youths and instilling in them a love of learning.

Pictured, from left, Barbara and Burt’s daughter, Bridgette Keenan; scholarship recipient Leila M. Schaber; and Burt Phillips.

08/14/2026

Congratulations to April Wang, the Class of 2026 recipient of the Northern New York Community Foundation Dr. Arthur C. Peckham Jr. Medical Scholarship.

A top-ranked honor student, April graduated as valedictorian last month from Watertown High School.

She will attend Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, to study molecular and cellular biology on a pre-med track. Upon completion of her undergraduate studies, April plans to continue her education in medical school. She aspires to become an anesthesiologist.

Established in 2017 at the Community Foundation by April Fallon and her family to honor Dr. Peckham’s life and legacy of service, this permanent Community Foundation scholarship awarded annually to a Jefferson County high School graduate who is pursuing a career as a physician.

April is pictured with April Fallon.

08/12/2026

Congratulations to Class of 2026 Northern New York Community Foundation Enzo Greenwood Coinco Scholarship recipients Janae A. Austin and Lydia Williams.

Janae and Lydia graduated from South Jefferson High School in June. Janae will attend SUNY Canton this fall to study criminal forensic investigation and Lydia will attend SUNY Potsdam this fall to study psychology.

Janae and Lydia recently met Enzo’s mother, Barbara Greenwood, who presented each of them with a $900 scholarship and shared more about the life and legacy of her son, Enzo Greenwood Coinco.

Pictured, from left: Barbara Greenwood and Enzo Greenwood Coinco Scholarship recipients Lydia Williams and Janae A. Austin.

The Enzo Greenwood Coinco Scholarship was established at the Community Foundation after Enzo’s unexpected passing in 2017 to benefit graduating students from South Jefferson Central School in perpetuity. With this scholarship, Enzo’s presence and his caring spirit will continue to touch the lives of South Jefferson students for years to come.

Address

131 Washington Street
Watertown, NY
13601

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday	8:30am - 4:30pm

Website

http://www.nnycf.org/

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