The Wilcox Community Fund for Theresa, a component of the Northern New York Community Foundation, is accepting proposals for 2025 grant funding. Nonprofit organizations serving the greater Theresa area, including the Indian River Lakes Region of Jefferson County, may apply for up to $3,000. Projects, programs, or initiatives should demonstrate meaningful impact and focus on areas such as health and wellness, essential needs, arts and culture, historic preservation, economic development, recreation and environment, community revitalization, youth development, quality of life, and education.

In 2024, the fund supported projects including the installation of historical markers on State Route 37 to commemorate the Old Military Road and the launch of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library at the Theresa Free Library. These initiatives highlight the fund’s focus on community enrichment and its ability to address critical needs, such as early childhood literacy and historical preservation.

Organizations must submit their proposals by Friday, February 7, 2025. Eligible applicants are required to be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or partner with an eligible nonprofit, municipality, or local agency as a fiscal sponsor. Projects cannot commence before March 2025, and recipients will have one year from the award date to complete their initiatives. Applications must be submitted through the Northern New York Community Foundation’s online grant portal, with awards announced by April 15, 2025.

The Wilcox Community Fund for Theresa was established in 2019 by Russell I. and Mary Wilcox to enhance the quality of life in Theresa and surrounding communities. It continues to fund initiatives that contribute to the vibrancy and sustainability of the area.

To learn more, applicants can contact Kraig Everard, Director of Stewardship and Programs at the Northern New York Community Foundation, via phone at 315-782-7110 or email at kraig@nnycf.org. Further details, including the grant application portal, are available through the foundation’s website.

The Northern New York Community Foundation, founded in 1929, supports communities across Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties through grants, scholarships, and philanthropy initiatives. Its partnerships and endowment resources help individuals and organizations achieve lasting charitable impact while inspiring future generosity.