Grant Headquarters
Welcome to the latest edition of the Lewis County Planning & Community Development Grant Newsletter. Below you will find a non-exhaustive list of grant & funding updates, training opportunities, important updates, and latest grant awards and initiatives within our department.
Completed Project Spotlight
 
Bonaparte Pharmacy
Facade and Streetscape Improvement Program, Round 1
 
Canal Basin Park
Facade and Streetscape Improvement Program, Round 2
 
Constableville Recreational Center
Facade and Streetscape Improvement Program, Round 2
 
Cedar Bridge Properties, Double Play Batting Cages and Homes Realty Display
Facade and Streetscape Improvement Program, Round 2
 
Chuck’s Market
Facade and Streetscape Improvement Program, Round 1
 
Croghan Free Library
Facade and Streetscape Improvement Project, Round 2
 
Crumbs. Bakeshop
Facade and Streetscapes Improvement Program, Round 2
 
Good Ol’ Wishy’s
Facade and Streetscape Improvement Program, Round 1
 
Krista Brown Photography
Facade and Streetscape Improvement Program, Round 2
 
National Abstract
Facade and Streetscape Improvement Program, Round 1
 
Old Key Bank
Facade and Streetscape Improvement Program, Round 2
 
Shut the Front Door, LLC – Rental Property
Facade and Streetscape Improvement Program, Round 2
 
Town of Diana Historical Museum
Facade and Streetscape Improvement Program, Round 1
 
Tug Hill Artisan Roasters
New York Main Street and Restore New York Funding
This is an ongoing project, with more improvements still to come!
 
West Leyden Pocket Park
Facade and Streetscapes Improvement Program, Round 2
        Grant & Funding Opportunities
Last Updated: October 17, 2025
        The Highlight Reel 
    
Take a look below for a selection of relevant grant opportunities for municipalities, non-profit and for-profit organizations, and other stakeholders.
***Please note, starred grants (***) are Federal programs. A recent Executive Order (EO), “Improving Oversight of Federal Grantmaking,” may impact the specific parameters of these grant programs. If you think you might apply for these opportunities, please review the EO above in detail and/or contact Grant Coordinator Grace Metzler to discuss further.
Daycare and Nonprofit Energy Efficiency and Heating Upgrade Funds
This North Country Clean Energy Hub funding opportunity is offering up to $40,000 in Energy Efficiency Funds and Heating Upgrades.
This funding is available for daycares and nonprofits. To apply, the organization must be a licensed daycare center operating as a business or nonprofit (home daycares are not eligible), or a nonprofit organization that provides critical services (serves as a warming or cooling center, adult center, or food pantry).
Statewide Community Regrant Program
The 2026 grant cycle is open! Individual artists, municipalities, libraries, 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations can apply directly for grants. Others may be eligible to apply with the help of a sponsoring organization. Grants are project-based and support cultural programming in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties of New York State, as well as the Akwesasne Mohawk Nation.
All applicants are required to attend an info session or meet with the Grant Coordinator, Alicia Murphy, before applying. Alicia can also provide one-on-one support to help you feel comfortable with the application process.
North Country Value Added Agriculture Revolving Loan Program
DANC is soliciting loan applications from farms or small businesses with 100 or fewer employees located in Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, Franklin, Clinton, Essex and Hamilton counties, for projects which establish, maintain or expand an agricultural operation.
Eligible expenses include:
- Facilities and/or markets for the production, processing, manufacture, warehousing, distribution or sale of crops, livestock or livestock products.
- Improvements and purchase of real estate, machinery, equipment, furniture and fixtures.
Funds cannot be used for construction financing but may be used as permanent financing upon completion of the construction project. Lodging and residential uses are ineligible.
Maximum loan amount: 40% of the total project cost, or $250,000; whichever is less.
Additional Program Details Here
Contact Michelle Capone for more details, at mcapone@danc.org, or 315-661-3200.
Northern NY Agricultural Development Program Small Grant Program 2026
The Northern New York Agricultural Development Program (NNYADP) is pleased to announce its small grants program for 2026. Funds from this program will support projects that focus on research, education, and technical assistance in support of the agricultural production sectors in the six-county Northern NY region: Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence counties. Eligible projects must focus on activities at operating farms across the region and/or at the Cornell E.V. Baker Research Farm in Willsboro, the W.H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute in Chazy, or other agriculture research farm facilities across the Northern NY region.
NYS Septic Replacement Program | Program Area Expanded!
Get reimbursed for 50% of your septic system project, up to $10,000.
Naturally Lewis: 2025 Funding Opportunities
Naturally Lewis, Inc. has announced their 2025 funding opportunities:
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Building Business Fund, 
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Business Retention Fund, 
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Community Connections Fund, 
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Launch Lewis County, 
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Small Things, Big Impacts Fund, 
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Vacant Property Revitalization Fund. 
Applications for all programs are currently open.
Please contact Kaylee Tabolt at kaylee@naturallylewis,com with any questions.
***FY2025 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program
The EDA Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program makes approximately $1.45 billion available to support economic recovery activities in areas that received major disaster declarations because of hurricanes, wildfires, severe storms and flooding, tornadoes, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2023 and 2024. EDA’s FY 2025 Disaster Supplemental Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aims to support communities recovering from major disasters and set them on a path to exceed pre-disaster conditions and transform their local economies in new and vibrant ways.
Municipal Zero-emission Vehicle (ZEV) Program
The Municipal ZEV Rebate provides rebates to cities, towns, villages, and counties to purchase or lease (for at least 36 months) eligible new zero-emission vehicles for fleet use.
The Municipal ZEV Infrastructure Grant program provides grants to cities, towns, villages, and counties to install hydrogen fuel filling station components and Level 2 (L2) and direct current fast charge (DCFC) electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) primarily for public use.
Lewis County Façade and Streetscape Improvement Program
The Lewis County Façade & Streetscape Improvement Program aims to revitalize the historic character and attractiveness of villages and hamlets through public and private investment. To encourage and advance revitalization efforts, this program will provide 75/25 matching funds for eligible improvements to mixed-use and commercial buildings and streetscape enhancements in Lewis County’s villages and hamlets. Together, these improvements will help business growth and retention, enhance tourism, increase spending in the local economy, and reduce the number of blighted and vacant properties.
Sacred Sites Fund Grant
The NYLC Sacred Sites Fund provides all congregations with matching grants for planning and implementing exterior restoration projects. Priority will be given to essential repairs to the primary worship building. Highest consideration is given to projects such as roofing and drainage system repairs; masonry repointing and restoration; structural repairs; and exterior carpentry, window repair and restoration, including stained glass restoration. Grant applications are reviewed by a Conservancy board committee and are evaluated on a rubric encompassing architectural and cultural significance, community outreach, project urgency, preservation quality, and administrative, financial, and fundraising capacity.
The funding range is from $1,000 to $50,000, with applicant portion of funding typically ranging from 50%-80% of the total project cost.
NYS HCR MOVE-IN New York CrossMod Expansion Program
New York State Homes and Community Renewal is seeking to award up to 15 municipalities, land banks, or not-for-profit developers for the implementation of the Crossover Modern Homes model for housing installation. The project proposal must include a minimum of 10 new homes, and prospective applicants must provide proof of site control prior to application.
The project aims to expand affordable home ownership for low-and-moderate income residents through innovative housing models.
        Other Funding Opportunities
    
Don’t miss out – follow the links provided to learn more about the opportunities below!
NYS and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (DHSES)
- Deadline: October 22, 2025
- Funding will not be allocated directly to applicants: rather, selected municipalities will be allocated hardware through shared service agreements upon award.
NYS DASNY and NYS OHP NY SWIMS Initiative
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Deadline: October 30, 2025 
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Award Range: $250,000-$10,000,000 toward capital costs for eligible improvements that expand swimming opportunities for New Yorkers. 
The Lawrence Foundation
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Deadline: October 31, 2025 
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Award Range: $5,000-$10,000 toward environmental, human services, and other causes 
NYS OPDD Regional Disability Health Clinics Program
- Deadline: November 5, 2025
- $25 million total available for capital projects to expand access to quality health care for people with developmental disabilities by reducing accessibility barriers and increasing access to healthcare services.
OMH Promoting Wellness and Healing in Communities
- Deadline: December 2, 2025
- Up to $750,000 in funding over 3 years for wellness projects to promote resilience and healing.
Department of Agriculture and Markets Stream Corridor Management Program
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Deadline: December 8, 2025 
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Award Range: $10,000-$100,000, depending on project track, for eligible Stream Restoration activities facilitated by Soil and Water Conservation Districts 
NYS DEC Invasive Species Grant Program, Round 4
- Deadline: December 17, 2025
- Award Range: $11,000-$250,000 for 4 categories: (1) Aquatic Invasives Decontamination, Terrestrial and Aquatic Invasives (2) Response and (3) Control, Research, (4) Restoration and Resiliency
NYSERDA Charging Station Rebate | Charge Ready NY 2.0
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Deadline: December 31, 2025 
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$2,000 per charging port at a workplace or multi-dwelling location, $4,000 per charging port at a public facility 
FY 2026 NYS Council on the Arts Capital Projects Fund
- Deadline: January 13, 2026
- $10,000-$2,000,000 + grants available for capital improvement projects for accessibility, artistry, cultural development, sustainability, health, safety, and structural and historical improvements.
NYSERDA Clean Energy Communities Program – Designation and Action Grants:
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Rolling submissions 
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Award Range: $5,000-$200,000 toward eligible Climate Actions 
Orton Family Foundation Community Heart & Soul Grant
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Rolling submissions 
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$10,000 toward Community Heart & Soul projects in small communities 
***US Department of Energy’s ‘American Made’ Challenge Program
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Deadlines vary 
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Awards: vary based on open challenges aimed to transform innovative ideas into real energy solutions through prizes, collegiate competitions, vouchers, and collaborations with experts 
Grants For Waste Reduction, Recycling, and Household Hazardous Waste Programs
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Multiple programs with varying deadlines 
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50% reimbursement of project costs for municipalities, eligible nonprofits, public benefit corporations, and school districts 
Development Authority of the North County – Cornell Cooperative Extension Value-Added Agriculture Revolving Loan Program
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Deadline: Rolling 
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Up to $40,000 in loan funding for Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties agribusiness producers of value-added products for retail consumption. Agribusinesses are a significant and growing segment of our regional economy. The first-round targets maple producers. 
Development Authority of the North Country Farmland Drainage Program Revolving Loan Fund
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Deadline: Rolling 
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Up to $20,000, with 50% of the total low-interest loan amount in cash equity required. This program offers low-interest loans to the farming community to increase crop production yields through farmland drainage. 
Training Opportunities & Resources
 
When: Thursday, September 25th
Where: Wilna Municipal Building. 414 State St. Carthage, NY 13619
Agenda includes presentations from Jefferson County Administrator Ryan Piche and Lewis County Manager Tim Hunt. Contact Mickey Dietrich for more information.
Mickey Dietrich
NYS Tug Hill Commission
317 Washington St.
Watertown, NY 13601
(315) 785-2380 Office
(315) 681-5023 Cell
mickey@tughill.org
 
Topic: Financial Oversight For Nonprofits
Join us for a session on Financial Oversight for Nonprofits, designed to help board members, treasurers, and nonprofit leaders strengthen their financial management skills. Topics will include how to properly review financial statements, create and understand budgets, fulfill treasurer responsibilities, implement internal controls and financial policies, and understand the importance of audits and annual reports.
When (Virtual): Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
 
Training will be hosted from 8 am to noon.
Dates & Locations
Oct. 1 | East Aurora: REGISTER HERE.
Oct. 9 | Kingston: REGISTER HERE.
Session Titles & Topics:
Sunshine & Scrutiny: What Planning & Zoning Officials Need to Know about OML and FOIL
New York’s Freshwater Regulations – Wetlands & Wetlands of Unusual Importance
Navigating ORES at the Local Level (except for Kingston)
Agritourism & Local Land Use (Kingston only)
Home Rule Meets the Affordable Housing Rule – Navigating NYS Funding
Incentives through Strategic Zoning
 
The New York Association of Towns is launching a new initiative to offer free grant workshops for small population towns!
The program will assist prospective applicants to gain a clear understanding of NYS funding programs, learn how to prepare competitive applications, and understand post-award responsibilities.
Assistance includes the free grant workshops and subsequent readiness assessments: Following each workshop, you can schedule a one-on-one, 15-minute consultation to evaluate your project’s funding potential and receive actionable guidance.
Register for the North Country regional workshops this August:
North Country | August 28, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Guest Consultant: LaBella Associates
Andy Sprague Training Center
377 Schroon River Rd
Warrensburg, NY 12885
 
Events are hosted on the fourth Thursday of each month. Please note that you must register for each session individually!
MRB Group and Hancock Estabrook are offering a free annual training program to assist local governments, municipal officials, and planning and zoning boards. The program aims to provide a comprehensive education that encompasses all aspects of municipal governance. Each program in the series will feature subject matter experts from MRB Group and knowledgeable attorneys from Hancock Estabrook, LLP. Topics will be lively, useful and – potentially as important – can qualify for the education requirements for members of Planning Boards and Zoning Boards of Appeals.
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September 25, 2025: 6-7 pm: PUTTING THE HOME IN HOMETOWN – Strategies for Attracting Housing Investment to Your Community 
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October 23, 2025: 6-7 pm: SHORT, BUT NOT TOO SHORT – How Short Term Rentals are Changing the Development and Regulatory Landscape 
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December 18, 2025: 6-7 pm: SANTA’S NAUGHTY AND NICE LIST – The Best and Worst of 2025 
See the complete Bootcamp Program schedule below!
 
        Lewis County has been awarded $499,668 through the NYS DOS County-Wide Shared Services Initiative Project Implementation (CWSSIPI) funds, received in January 2023. These funds will significantly enhance our local government operations with two key initiatives:
1. Digital Codification of Municipal Laws
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Purpose: Improve accessibility, transparency, and efficiency in legal matters. 
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Contractor: General Code 
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Benefits: - 
Clear, accessible online municipal codes 
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Editorial and legal analysis to streamline existing codes 
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Hosted on the innovative eCode360 platform 
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Customized print copies of the new code 
 
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Examples of Municipalities already using the eCode360 Platform:
2. Website and Secure Email Setup for Local Officials
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Purpose: Enhance communication and operational efficiency. 
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Contractor: Coughlin Printing via the Civally platform 
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Benefits: - 
Tailored websites for each municipality 
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Secure ‘.gov’ email addresses 
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Features: Notice posting, event updates, meeting minutes, and more 
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Mobile-friendly, accessible, and secure 
 
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Examples of local municipality using the Civally platform:
This initiative will empower our communities with modern tools for better governance and citizen engagement. For more details or next steps, contact our office!
 
1. Board Meeting
The commission board meets approximately 10 times per year, moving meeting locations around the region to make meetings more accessible to local officials and residents. The public is welcome to attend.
When: Monday, September 22, at 10:00 AM
Where: West Monroe Town Hall, 46 County Route 11, West Monroe, NY 13167
2. Annual Dinner
When: Thursday, October 9, at 5:30 PM
Where: Delta Lake Inn, 8524 Fish Hatchery Road, Rome, NY 13440
Cost: $35 per person, with cash bar
 
The goal of this webinar is to provide potential applicants crucial insights and practical knowledge to help attendees understand the grant process and prepare a competitive application. The FY26 program is anticipated to offer several types of competitive funding including Assessment, Cleanup and Multipurpose grants. The EPA anticipates that more than $255 million will be available during the FY26 funding cycle.
 
Join the Northeast Regional Climate Center and NYS Tug Hill Commission for a two-part workshop series focused on weather- and climate-related challenges of winter activities in the Tug Hill region. Explore recent winters in the Tug Hill region and the tools that are available to help monitor weather and climate conditions. Those working in the areas of winter recreation, transportation, and forestry may be especially interested in attending. No cost to attend.
Workshop 1 (Virtual): Wednesday, October 22, 2025, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Workshop 2 (In-Person): Thursday, November 6, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Howard G Sackett Technical Center, Glenfield, NY
 
This land use training event provides municipal officials with critical knowledge and tools for informed decision-making in planning and zoning. We’ll explore strategies to address the need for affordable housing and legal requirements to provide it. The course also dives into the rise of short-term rentals and their impact on communities, examining regulations and effective responses. Learn to navigate complex regulations and build a better future for your community.
When: 5:00-8:00 pm, Monday, November 10, 2025
Where: Mohawk Valley Community College, Wilcox Hall, Room 225
1101 Sherman Dr. Utica, NY 13501
$20.00 fee. Registration due by Monday, November 3, 2025.
Contact (315) 798-5710 or 239apps@oneidacountyny.gov.
        Check out these Grant Opportunities from our local foundations and community partners! 
    
Daniel J. Briggs Fund for Integrity
This program is administered by the Northern New York Community Foundation, and offers support for bullying prevention and character education programs, as well as professional development for administrators, teachers, staff, and employees of school districts across the region.
Up to $2,500 per applicant.
Contact Assistant Director Max DelSignore for more information at max@nnycf.org.
Youth Philanthropy Council Funds
The Youth Philanthropy Council of the Northern New York Community Foundation administers funds to support nonprofit organizations serving all residents through programs and projects that enhance the quality of life in communities across the region — not limited to youth programs.
There is up to $20,000 available in funds for 2024. Grants will be determined in June 2025.
Contact Director of Stewardship and Programs Kraig Everard for more information at kraig@nnycf.org.
Northern New York Community Foundation – Region-Specific Legacy Grant Programs
While the grant period for 2024 is closed, the following legacy grant programs are administered by the Northern New York Community Foundation on an annual basis in Lewis County.
Kenneth V. and Jeannette Remp Sawyer Community Fund
Communities served: Boonville, Constableville and Westernville
Purpose: Support for programs, projects and initiatives that enhance the quality of life for residents of all ages.
Funding available: Up to $60,000
George R. Davis Fund for Lowville
Communities served: Village and Town of Lowville
Purpose: Support for programs, projects and initiatives that impact the quality of life for residents of the Village and Town of Lowville.
Funding available: Up to $15,000
Contact Assistant Director Max DelSignore for more information at max@nnycf.org.
Pratt Northam Foundation Community Grant
Pratt Northam Foundation seeks to fund projects which will benefit the Black River Valley area by providing financial support to not-for-profit organizations fulfilling community needs which neither government nor private enterprise could reasonably accomplish. Such needs, the directors have maintained, may be cultural, educational, or civic.
Criteria used for the evaluation and potential approval of grant applications are:
- Projects and opportunities for young people, and also considers other innovative initiatives.
- Initiatives that have broad community support and can demonstrate substantial matching funds.
Pratt Northam Foundation Workership Grant Program
The Pratt Northam Workership Program provides 350 hours of summer employment at minimum wage for students accepted and enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate academic program at a two-year or four-year college for the following Fall semester.
Not-for-profit and government programs delivering services in the area between Boonville and Carthage are urged to apply to sponsor a Workership position(s). Sites are selected based upon the following criteria:
- Workership position provides programming directly to youth.
- Workership position indirectly supports programming for youth.
- Workership position provides a quality work experience helping a college student build skills and credentials towards a career path.
- Workership position relates to the student’s field of study. The student receives internship or academic credit for the summer work.
For more information on becoming a Workership site in 2025, contact the Foundation at prattnortham@gmail.com.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
        
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
