United Way of NNY Launches First Grants from the Renee Beyer Community Development Fund

LEWIS COUNTY, NY — The United Way of Northern New York is honored to announce a powerful milestone in community giving: the launch of the first-ever grant cycle from the Renee Beyer Community Development Fund. Thanks to years of community-driven fundraising and support from the Northern New York Community Foundation, the fund is now poised to make its inaugural impact, offering $8,500 in grants to nonprofit organizations serving Lewis County.

This fund was established to honor the memory of Renee Beyer, a beloved local leader who dedicated her life to civic service, community development, and strengthening the bonds between neighbors. Since her passing in 2013, Renee’s legacy has lived on through the tireless efforts of her friends, family, and community members who transformed their grief into action. Brick by brick, this fund was built with love—and now, it’s ready to give back in the spirit of the woman who inspired it all.

Grant Details and Purpose

Beginning this month, Lewis County nonprofits are invited to apply for grants of up to $5,000 each. The funding is intended to support programs that reflect Renee’s lifelong commitment to:

• Community development and revitalization

• Grassroots leadership and civic engagement

• Strengthening connections between neighbors

• Enhancing opportunities and quality of life for residents of Lewis County

Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving Lewis County, with preference given to organizations with annual budgets under $1 million. Projects must be completed by December 31, 2026, and grants can be used for programming, supplies, community engagement efforts, or general operating support.

Application Timeline

• Application Portal Opened: May 9, 2025

• Deadline to Apply: June 16, 2025, at 11:59 PM

• Applicant Notification: August 2025

• Grant Cycle Begins: September 2025

Applications must be submitted through the online grant portal:
🔗 United Way of Northern New York Grant Portal

Required Materials Include:

• IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter

• Cover letter from the Executive Director or Board Chair

• List of current Board of Directors

• Project description and requested amount

• Program/project and organizational budgets

An Invitation to the Community

“This fund is not just about grant dollars—it’s about keeping Renee’s vision alive,” said Dawn Cole, President & CEO of United Way of Northern New York. “She believed in empowering people at the local level, and this grant opportunity is an invitation for others to carry that torch forward.”

Organizations and community members are encouraged to help spread the word and ensure this special opportunity reaches as many eligible groups as possible. Together, we can build a stronger Lewis County—one project, one connection, and one legacy at a time.

Questions?
Contact:
Dawn Cole
President & CEO, United Way of Northern New York
📧 [email protected]
📞 (315) 755-1422

United for a better tomorrow—honoring the past, empowering the future.