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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

8210 Main St, Harrisville, NY 13648

Facade and Streetscape Improvement Program, Round 1

Canal Basin Park

Lyons Falls, NY 13368

Facade and Streetscape Improvement Program, Round 2

Constableville Recreational Center

3060 Main St. Constableville NY 12926

Facade and Streetscape Improvement Program, Round 2

Cedar Bridge Properties, Double Play Batting Cages and Homes Realty Display

5415 Shady Ave, Lowville, NY 13367

Facade and Streetscape Improvement Program, Round 2

Chuck’s Market

8212 Main St, Harrisville, NY 13648

Facade and Streetscape Improvement Program, Round 1

Croghan Free Library

9794 State Route 812, Croghan, NY 13327

Facade and Streetscape Improvement Project, Round 2

Crumbs. Bakeshop

5421 Shady Ave, Lowville, NY 13367

Facade and Streetscapes Improvement Program, Round 2

Good Ol’ Wishy’s

9779 NY-812, Croghan, NY 13327

Facade and Streetscape Improvement Program, Round 1

Krista Brown Photography

Lyon’s Falls, NY

Facade and Streetscape Improvement Program, Round 2

National Abstract

7557 S State St, Lowville, NY 13367

Facade and Streetscape Improvement Program, Round 1

Old Key Bank

9760 Main St Croghan, NY 13327

Facade and Streetscape Improvement Program, Round 2

Shut the Front Door, LLC – Rental Property

Port Leyden, NY 13433

Facade and Streetscape Improvement Program, Round 2

Town of Diana Historical Museum

2 Depot St, Harrisville, NY 13648

Facade and Streetscape Improvement Program, Round 1 

Tug Hill Artisan Roasters

7514 South State Street, Lowville NY 13367

New York Main Street and Restore New York Funding 

This is an ongoing project, with more improvements still to come! 

West Leyden Pocket Park

West Leyden, NY, 13489

Facade and Streetscapes Improvement Program, Round 2

    Grant & Funding Opportunities

    Last Updated: June 16, 2025

    Deadline: July 31, 2025

    OPEN NOW! The 15th round of the Regional Economic Development Initiative through the Consolidated Funding Application has launched.

    Helpful Links:

    REDC Guidebook

    REDC Available CFA Resources

    REDC CFA Manual

    CFA Portal

    Program Summary – Prepared by Lewis County Department of Planning and Community Development

    Deadline: August 13, 2025

    $5.9 million is available for community-based organizations to complete projects that address exposure of communities to multiple environmental harms and risks.

    Eligible applicants include:

    1. Tribal Organizations and not-for-profit (NFP) community-based organizations having 501(c)(3) status; or

    2. Community-based organization may partner with a NFP that will serve as their fiscal sponsor.

    Eligible projects must address a community’s exposure to multiple environmental harms and risks and include a new research component that will be used to expand the knowledge of the affected community.

    Deadline: July 31, 2025

    This new grant is designed to increase organic dairy in schools, child-care centers, and other youth-based programs while supporting small and mid-sized organic dairy producers. Grant funds can be used to purchase organic dairy products for program meal services.

    Eligible applicants include:

    1. Licensed dairy processors

    2. Distributors who primarily serve wholesale and/or institutional buyers;

    3. Youth institutions including K-12 schools, colleges, afterschool programs, and summer feeding programs that are currently eligible to participate in federal child nutrition programs.  

    Grants will range from $50,000 – $500,000 with no match requirement. $1,750,000 is available this round. This is the first of two times that this grant will be offered.

    Application Opens: June 26 | Deadline: August 14, 2025

    This grant supports Northeast dairy processors in modernizing their facilities. Funding is available for upgrading or adding specialized dairy processing or packaging equipment that is necessary for business growth and viability.  

    Funding can also be used for activities like training, business planning, hiring professional consultants, marketing, or improving supply chain logistics as long as they directly support the project. Projects that involve assistance from a service provider or business planner will be more competitive.  

    Grants will range from $15,000 to $250,000 with a 25% (cash or in-kind) match commitment required. Approximately $1,000,000 in total funds are available.

    Deadline: August 15, 2025

    This funding is designed to support flood-prone communities in implementing transformative green infrastructure projects that combat the effects of extreme weather. There is $60 million available in this round of funding. 

    Informational Webinar: May 21, 2025, 10:00 -11:00 a.m. Register Here!

    Application Opens: July 14, 2025 |Deadline: August 15, 2025

    This funding supports municipalities and nonprofit organizations in building or renovating community centers that promote physical health, mental well-being, and community connections for youth and older adults.

    NY BRICKS will offer grants to fund design, construction, renovation, and land acquisition for these centers. Priority will be given to projects in underserved communities, as well as those offering affordable services like childcare, eldercare, and mental health counseling. The program aims to make transformative, high-impact investments in local  communities.

    BRICKS offers grants between $250,000 and $15 million to acquire, design, construct or reconstruct facilities, provide major renovations, improvements, and modernization or rehabilitation of community centers.

    Match: 20% 

    Deadline: July 22, 2025 | * Applications reviewed and awarded as received, apply as soon as possible.*

    The Department invites eligible entities to apply for funds through the FreshConnect CSA for SNAP Grant Program, which will allow SNAP participants to access the popular Community Supported Agriculture model by partially subsidizing the cost of weekly share purchases. The goals of this program are to:

    • Support producers in New York State by allowing greater access to their products statewide;

    • Allow SNAP participants in New York State the opportunity to access shares of fresh, locally grown farm food products; and

    • Strengthen the bonds between the farming and SNAP communities to raise awareness of the bounty of New York farm products across the state.

    Awards for this opportunity will be made on a rolling basis to eligible and to qualified applicants until funds are depleted. A total of $250,000 in funding is available through this round of Request for Applications.

    Eligible Applicants Include:

    • Not-For-Profit Organizations

    • Indian Tribal Organizations

    • Public Educational Institutions

    • Local or Municipal Governments

    More resources on Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) here

    Deadline:  Applications for all programs are reviewed on a quarterly basis unless otherwise noted.

    Naturally Lewis, Inc. has announced their 2025 funding opportunities:

    1. Building Business Fund,

    2. Business Retention Fund,

    3. Community Connections Fund,

    4. Launch Lewis County,

    5. Small Things, Big Impacts Fund,

    6. Vacant Property Revitalization Fund.

    Applications for all programs are currently open.

    Please contact Kaylee Tabolt at kaylee@naturallylewis,com with any questions.

    Part 1 Application Due: July 17, 2025 | Part 2 NEA Application Due: July 22, 2025

    The NEA is committed to supporting excellent arts projects for the benefit of all Americans. Grants for Arts Projects (GAP) provides funding for public engagement with the arts and arts education, for the integration of the arts with strategies promoting the health and well-being of people and communities, and for the improvement of overall capacity and capabilities within the arts sector. 

    Industry Transformation Grant Deadline: March 3, 2026 at 5:00 pm | Readiness and Implementation Grants: Rolling

    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. President Trump and Secretary Lutnick are committed to unleashing the potential of the American economy, affording all Americans the opportunity to pursue their version of the American dream. 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.

    Threshold Application Deadline: June 20, 2025 at 4:00 pm | Final Application: September 26, 2025 at 4:00 pm

    The NYS HOME-ARP Program provides resources to create and preserve high-quality affordable rental housing and non-congregate shelter for Qualifying Populations. Funding is available to non-profit organizations to increase permanent supply of housing for qualifying populations, making less than 30% of Area Median Income.

    Fourth Quarter Deadline: June 30, 2025

    The Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant programs provide funding for rural projects through local utility organizations. The program funds projects that will create and retain employment in rural areas.

    Local utility organizations use USDA funding to establish Revolving Loan Funds (RLF). Loans are made from the revolving loan fund to projects that will create or retain rural jobs. When the revolving loan fund is terminated, the grant is repaid to USDA.

    To receive funding for a grant and/or loan an entity must be:

    • Current Rural Utilities Service (RUS), electric or telecommunication borrower,

    • Any former RUS borrower that has repaid or prepaid an insured, direct or guaranteed loan under the Rural Electrification Act,

    • Or any not-for-profit utility that is eligible to receive an insured or direct loan under such Act.

    Fourth Quarter Deadline: June 30, 2025

    The USDA Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:

    • Help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.

    • Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

    The following are eligible to be a Microenterprise Development Organization:

    • Nonprofits.

    • Federally-recognized tribes.

    • Institutions of higher education.

    The following are eligible to apply for a loan from the MDO as an ultimate recipient:

    • Businesses located in an eligible area with 10 or fewer full-time employees.

    Eligible Areas Include:

    • Rural areas outside a city or town with a population of fewer than 50,000 residents. Urbanized areas near a city of 50,000 or more may not be eligible.

    • The borrower’s headquarters may be based within a larger city so long as the project service area is located in an eligible rural area.

    • The lender may be located anywhere.

    **RESCHEDULED – DEADLINES TBA**

    The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT’s) Build America Bureau has announced the Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program, created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The program offers $54.2 million in technical assistance grants to rural and tribal communities for the planning and design phase development of transportation projects. There is no local funding match required to participate in this program.

    Funds may be used to hire staff or advisors to assist with planning and design phase activities. This program has two types of grants:

    • Single project grants: $200,000 to $750,000 each, and;

    • Multi-community grants, composed of at least 3 eligible communities: $500,000 to $2.25 million.

    Deadline: Rolling based on open challenges

    The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) American-Made program transforms innovative ideas into real energy solutions through prizes, collegiate competitions, vouchers, and opportunities to work with its network of experts. American-Made activates innovators, entrepreneurs, and everyday Americans to help science and technology solutions go further, faster.

    Browse more than 100 American-Made Challenges to find prize, competition, or voucher details—including how to join to bring bold new possibilities and energy solutions to light. 

    Deadline: Rolling

    This USDA Rural Development Community Facilities program provides funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. An ‘essential community facility’ is one which provides an essential service to the local community in a primarily rural area, and does not include private, commercial or business undertakings.

    Eligible borrowers include:

    • Public bodies

    • Community-based non-profit corporations

    • Federally Recognized Tribes

    Rural areas including cities, villages, townships and towns including Federally Recognized Tribal Lands with no more than 20,000 residents according to the latest U.S. Census Data are eligible for this program.

    Deadline: June 17, 2025

    ConnectALL will provide up to $5 million in total funding to deploy innovative, scalable solutions that can address gaps in wireless cellular coverage in New York State.

    Eligible applicants include:

    • Municipalities (including counties)

    • regional planning boards

    • regional economic development organizations

    • Tribal governments

    • municipal utilities

    • internet service providers

    • mobile network operators

    • system integrators and/or equipment manufacturers

    • Businesses with an innovative use case for connectivity

    Deadline: December 31, 2025

    Get reimbursed for $4,000 per charging port installed at a public facility, or $2,000 per charging station installed at a workplace or multi-dwelling location.

    Deadline: Rolling

    Get reimbursed for 50% of your septic system project, up to $10,000.

    Deadline: Rolling

    The CEC program provides the tools and resources you need to take your community to the next level, with new High Impact Action items and increased access to grant funding.

    Deadline: Rolling

    The Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program is designed for small cities and towns (population 2,500-30,000) provides $10,000 in funding for resident-driven groups in small cities and towns to start the Community Heart & Soul model. Grant funding requires a $10,000 cash match from the participating municipality or a partnering organization.

    Deadline: Rolling

    In partnership with the Cornell Cooperative Extension, the DANC Value-Added Agriculture Program is soliciting loan requests from producers located in Jefferson, Lewis or St. Lawrence Counties that create value-added products for retail consumption. Agribusinesses are a significant and growing segment of our regional economy. The first round of applications will target maple producers in order to increase the production of syrup for sale in the marketplace.

    The Program is initially funded with $200,000. Awards will be made to applicants in the form of low-interest loans to be repaid over five years. Applications will be reviewed in order of receipt and loans will be approved to the extent that funds are available.

    Maximum loan: $40,000

    Additional Program Details Here

    Contact Matthew Siver, Project Development Specialist, for details, at msiver@danc.org, or 315-661-3200. 

    Deadline: Rolling

    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:

    1. Facilities and/or markets for the production, processing, manufacture, warehousing, distribution or sale of crops, livestock or livestock products.
    2. 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.

    Deadline: Rolling

    The Farmland Drainage Program offers low interest loans to the farming community to increase crop production yields through farmland drainage, which enhances crop yields, crop quality, and improves timely planting and harvesting conditions. 

    Maximum Loan amount: $20,000, with 50% of total loan amount in cash equity required. 

    Additional Program Details Here

    Contact Michelle Capone for more details, at mcapone@danc.org, or 315-661-3200.

    Training Opportunities & Resources

    Land Use Training | June 16, 17, 23

    In collaboration with the NYS Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Cornell Cooperative Extension, and other regional partners, Pace University’s Land Use Law Center is bringing their Land Use Leadership Alliance Training Program for Clean Energy to Watertown in June. The focus of the training will be on the intersection between clean energy and land use.

    Where: Hilton Garden Inn in Watertown, as well as supplemental site visits.

    When: Three full-day sessions from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. scheduled for June 16, 17, and 23.

    The program includes breakfast, lunch and snacks: additional travel details and logistics will be shared in advance of the program.

    The program serves as a land use retreat for local land use leaders to brainstorm, vision, and proactively plan for their community’s future. Participating individuals must attend all three of the sessions to complete the program.

    Register for the conference below!

    2025 Municipal Bootcamp Program, MRB Group and Hancock Estabrook | Fourth Thursday Every Month

    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.

    1. May 22, 2025: 6-7 pm: ENVIRONMENTALLY SPEAKING – The Nuts and Bolts of SEQR

    2. June 26, 2025: 6-7 pm: ZONING BOARD BASICS: Roles of the Zoning Board in Community Development

    3. July 24, 2025: 6-7 pm: SOAKING UP THE SUN – Solar and Battery Storage and the Local Review Process

    4. September 25, 2025: 6-7 pm: PUTTING THE HOME IN HOMETOWN – Strategies for Attracting Housing Investment to Your Community

    5. October 23, 2025: 6-7 pm: SHORT, BUT NOT TOO SHORT – How Short Term Rentals are Changing the Development and Regulatory Landscape

    6. December 18, 2025: 6-7 pm: SANTA’S NAUGTY AND NICE LIST – The Best and Worst of 2025

    See the complete Bootcamp Program schedule below!

    Municipalities in Lewis County | $499,668 Grant for Digital Upgrades!

    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

    • Purpose: Improve accessibility, transparency, and efficiency in legal matters.

    • Contractor: General Code

    • Benefits:

      • Clear, accessible online municipal codes

      • Editorial and legal analysis to streamline existing codes

      • Hosted on the innovative eCode360 platform

      • Customized print copies of the new code

    Examples of Municipalities already using the eCode360 Platform:

    Village of Lowville

    Town of Lowville

    Town of Martinsburg

    2. Website and Secure Email Setup for Local Officials

    • Purpose: Enhance communication and operational efficiency.

    • Contractor: Coughlin Printing via the Civally platform

    • Benefits:

      • Tailored websites for each municipality

      • Secure ‘.gov’ email addresses

      • Features: Notice posting, event updates, meeting minutes, and more

      • Mobile-friendly, accessible, and secure

    Examples of local municipality using the Civally platform:

    Remsen, NY

    Village of Lowville, NY

    Constableville, NY

    Lyons Falls, NY 

    Pinkney, NY 

    Martinsburg, NY

    This initiative will empower our communities with modern tools for better governance and citizen engagement. For more details or next steps, contact our office!

    NYAOT and SUNY Potsdam: Micro-credential Programs, Grant Writing and GIS

    The New York Association of Towns, in partnership with SUNY Potsdam, recently announced the launch of a workforce development initiative designed to improve recruitment and retention in towns, as well as create an accredited and skilled workforce.

    Local government employees and candidates for employment can now earn micro-credentials in the areas of public sector grant writing and spatial data analysis with GIS. A micro-credential is a short course of study that focuses on a particular skill. All micro-credentials will launch this summer and will be offered online for maximum compatibility with work schedules. Course durations will vary from six weeks to two semesters.

    Many smaller municipalities lack the resources to effectively research, apply for, and secure grants. Training in grant writing can help local governments access much-needed funding, while education in spatial data analysis with GIS enhances municipal planning and decision-making capabilities.

    Additionally, these programs support the development of a workforce pipeline by preparing students for careers in local government. Enrolled college students, as well as individuals transitioning from the private to the public sector, will benefit from these opportunities to gain relevant, applicable skills that align with the needs of municipal employers.

    Tentative Course Dates are as follows: 

    Course 1: POLS 322 – August 25 – December 12, 2025
    Course 2: POLS 422 – January 20 – May 15, 2026
    Monthly Grant Newsletter

    Check out these Grant Opportunities from our local foundations and community partners! 

    Deadline: Rolling, applications are reviewed quarterly

    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.

    Deadline: Friday, December 20, 2024

    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.

    Contact NNY Community Foundation for details.

    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.

    Grant Submissions are reviewed by the board quarterly.

    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.
    New Program Partners are reviewed annually. Contact Pratt Northam for details.

    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:

    1.  Workership position provides programming directly to youth.
    2. Workership position indirectly supports programming for youth.
    3. Workership position provides a quality work experience helping a college student build skills and credentials towards a career path.
    4. 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

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    This page was last modified on Jul 14, 2025, 2:52 pm.