Up to $30,000 in funding available to nonprofits in three communities

WATERTOWN, NY — Nonprofit organizations that serve residents of Boonville, Constableville and Westernville are encouraged to apply for 2019 grant funding through the Kenneth V. and Jeannette Remp Sawyer Community Fund at the Northern New York Community Foundation.

     The fund was established in 2018 to support programs, projects and initiatives that broadly impact the quality of life in Boonville, Constableville and Westernville. The Northern New York Community Foundation administers this permanent, charitable legacy fund that makes grant awards annually. This year, up to $30,000 in funding is available.

     In 2018, 12 projects were awarded grant funding totaling $30,000. The recipients were:

  •      Boonville Cemetery Association — $6,000 to digitize and preserve records to maintain efficiency.

  •      Constableville Volunteer Fire Company — $4,400 to purchase two new sets of turnout gear.

  •      Erwin Library and Institute — $3,025 to support six community performances.

  •      Constableville Library Association — $3,000 to purchase equipment to create a “literacy station.”

  •      Boonville Youth Athletic Association — $2,500 to support development of a playground space.

  •      Boonville Area Chamber of Commerce — $2,500 to help acquire three cameras to stream community events and enhance security.

  •      Constableville for Tomorrow — $2,000 to help construct a curtain system for a community pavilion.

  •      Boonville Black River Canal Museum — $1,925 to help build a youth volunteer base.

  •      Constable Hall Association — $1,600 to help fund computer and technology upgrades.

  •      Boonville Search and Rescue — $1,050 to purchase three GPS devices for searches and guided tours.

  •      North Country Proudly Honors, Inc. — $1,000 to assist with a community reception and promotion honoring veterans.

  •     Adirondack Community Chorus — $1,000 to purchase music for community performances.

     The deadline to submit a proposal for consideration is Friday. April 19, 2019. Grant awards will be announced following the Community Foundation’s quarterly board meeting in June. Contact Max DelSignore, Community Foundation assistant director, 315-782-7110, or max@nnycf.org for grant guidelines or to learn more about the Kenneth V. and Jeannette Remp Sawyer Community Fund.

About Kenneth V. and Jeannette Remp Sawyer

     Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer participated in many community events and activities through the years and served on local boards and committees. Mr. Sawyer was a Boonville native, served in the United States Army, and enjoyed a career at Layng Furniture Company and as a supervisor at Boonville’s Erwin Park. Most notably, he was a talented musician. He played tenor saxophone in his high school band and clarinet with the Boonville Village Band. He frequently played with three separate drum and bugle corps in Boonville and Rome. Mr. Sawyer died in 2008.

     Mrs. Sawyer completed a successful career of more than 45 years at Rome Savings Bank and was an avid follower of the stock market. She also served on the finance committee of Boonville United Methodist Church. She assisted organizations such as the Daughters of the American Revolution, Dodge Pratt Northam Art and Community Center, the Erwin Library, and the Boonville Cemetery. Mrs. Sawyer died in 2015.

     In 2017, the Kenneth V. Sawyer and Jeannette Remp Sawyer Scholarship Fund was established through the Northern New York Community Foundation to benefit Adirondack Central School graduates. The endowed fund will award two scholarships each year forever, supporting the business and music pursuits of high school graduates from the district.

About the Northern New York Community Foundation

     Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.

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