Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

May 29, 2026

51 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Youth Philanthropy Council Program

Geographic Focus: Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties, NY (with current recruitment in Jefferson County)

Purpose: A leadership and civic engagement program that engages high school students in grant-making and philanthropy. Participants learn about community needs and make collective decisions about grant awards to support non-profit organizations.

Eligible Participants:

  • Rising sophomores and juniors

  • Students attending any of the county's 13 public and private schools

  • Home-schooled students (must reside in a Jefferson County school district)

  • Currently recruiting for Jefferson County; program operates in multiple counties
  • Program Impact: Students develop leadership skills, citizenship, and a culture of giving back. More than 40 grant requests are received and reviewed annually, with councils approving approximately 24 proposals per year. Program has awarded nearly $40,000 in grants to support non-profit organizations.

    Supported By: Watertown Savings Bank, Renzi Foodservice, the Grasseroots Fund, RBC Wealth Management, the Sweetgrass Foundation, and annual gifts to the Community Foundation's Community Betterment Fund

    Program Schools (Historical):

  • Watertown High School

  • Immaculate Heart Central School

  • Potsdam Central School

  • Ogdensburg Free Academy
  • Contact Information:

  • Emily Pfeil, Community Foundation Philanthropy Associate

  • Phone: (315) 782-7110

  • Email: emily@nnycf.org

  • Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. weekdays
  • How to Apply

    Application Process

    1. Contact Emily Pfeil to obtain an application and learn more about the program
    2. Submit application by May 29, 2026 (deadline for 2026-27 class)
    3. Selected students join the Youth Philanthropy Council
    4. Participate in grant-making process throughout the school year

    Contact:

  • Emily Pfeil, Philanthropy Associate

  • Phone: (315) 782-7110

  • Email: emily@nnycf.org

  • Available: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. weekdays
  • Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    youth-programsyouth-leadershipeducationfoundation

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