Naturally Lewis offers more than $900K in grant funding in 2024

LOWVILLE — Naturally Lewis says $930,000 is available in the second round of its four grant programs. Naturally Lewis is the economic-development agency for Lewis County. The grant funds are for the Small Things, Big Impacts Fund; Community Connections Fund; Building Business Fund; and Vacant Property Revitalization Fund, according to a Naturally Lewis news release. The Community Economic Development Program committee will review applications for all programs. The committee includes six community leaders and one member of the Lewis County Development Corporation Board. Those interested can find more information about the Community Economic Development Program and each of the grant opportunities at the following website: https://naturallylewis.com/growing-opportunities/cedf. About the funds The Small Things, Big Impacts Fund, which has $26,000 available, will support smaller-scale projects that will “make a big impact.” The 2024 priority for this fund is visibility, “including, but not limited to,” signage, branding, packaging, murals/artwork, and mobile visibility. Applications for the Small Things, Big Impacts Fund opened Jan. 15 and close on March 28. Naturally Lewis says it will review applications on a quarterly basis until all funds are dispersed. The Community Connections Fund, which has $60,000, will support municipalities, schools, and 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organizations in projects that will “strengthen ties within the community” to develop relationships, and to spur economic growth and development through the creation and enhancement of public gathering places or services. Applications for the Community Connections Fund will open on April 1 and close on June 13, Naturally Lewis said. The Building Business Fund, which has $100,000, will support local businesses providing matching funds to invest in the “tools to scale up and grow.” Recipients can use funds for literal tools (equipment/machinery) or figurative tools (business services/professional services) to assist business growth. Projects must show “overall benefit to the community and promote economic development through business growth,” Naturally Lewis said. Applications for the Building Business Fund will open on July 1 and close on Sept. 26. The Vacant Property Revitalization Fund, which has $750,000, will support building owners who are looking to revitalize vacant buildings or floors into usable spaces for commercial use. Applications for the Vacant Property Revitalization Fund will open on Sept. 30 and close on Dec. 5.