Lake Placid Education Foundation Grant

The Lake Placid Education Foundation (LPEF), established through the legacy of Melvil Dewey, annually awards grants to support educational and cultural enrichment initiatives. The foundation draws its funding from the proceeds of the Dewey Decimal Classification system, developed by Dewey himself, and supports a broad range of community-focused projects. Though grants can technically be awarded beyond the region, the foundation places a strong emphasis on funding work within the Adirondack region of New York State. LPEF focuses its support on qualified nonprofit organizations, including both public and private schools, libraries, and arts and cultural organizations. Grants may be used for scholarships, equipment, operating expenses, staff training, and programmatic or special needs. Cultural programs with educational components, especially those linked to formal education institutions, are also eligible for support. Additionally, the foundation funds innovative and restorative efforts in education and library sciences, including seed grants for new ideas and personal renewal programs for educators and librarians. Eligible applicants must either be classified as 501(c)(3) organizations under the Internal Revenue Code or be certain governmental units that serve the public in education and library services. The foundation encourages collaboration among organizations and places high value on efforts that support public good and educational innovation. Applicants are advised to submit details about their organization’s mission and specific project goals, if applicable. While financial documents and budgets are optional, if included, they should not exceed two pages. Notably, LPEF does not fund land acquisition, capital campaigns, endowments, or individuals, except in rare and special circumstances. The application deadline is June 1 at 5:00 PM each year. Although grant sizes can vary, typical awards range from $500 to larger awards of up to $50,000 in exceptional cases. Recent annual funding totals have reached approximately $280,000. Grant decisions are generally communicated after the application period closes. The program is administered by Leslee Mounger, Funds and Program Officer at the Adirondack Foundation, who serves as a point of contact for prospective applicants. Interested organizations can reach out by phone at 518.523.9904 or by email at leslee@adkcommunityfoundation.org.

Focus on educational mission and include regional relevance; avoid ineligible categories like capital/endowment; collaborations are encouraged.