LOWVILLE, N.Y. — Naturally Lewis, Inc. announced that it is now accepting applications for grant funding through its community economic-development program.
Naturally Lewis, the economic-development organization serving Lewis County, says it has $20,000 available through its Small Things, Big Impacts Fund; $30,000 in its Community Connections Fund; and $100,000 in its Building Business Fund.
Naturally Lewis says it received the additional $150,000 through the host community agreement (HCA) with Number Three Wind, renewing the programs. The Number Three Wind Energy Center is a 104-megawatt wind energy project located in Lewis County
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The programs are designed to support business growth, organizational capacity, community-driven projects, and strategic investments that strengthen Lewis County’s economy and quality of life, Naturally Lewis said. Since 2023, 98 projects have been administered through the community economic-development programs, resulting in a cumulative $40.9 million in economic impact countywide.
The funding is awarded on a competitive basis. Naturally Lewis encourages eligible applicants to learn more about program guidelines and application deadlines by visiting www.naturallylewis.com.
About the program
The community economic-development program was established in 2022 through an HCA between the Lewis County Development Corporation (LCDC) and Number Three Wind. It provides $150,000 in annual investment to support local economic growth, revitalization, and community development.
Additional funding partners have strengthened the program’s impact. They include the Lewis County Board of Legislators for the Vacant Property Revitalization Fund ($1.5 million) and the HLH Living Trust to create the Events & Festivals focus area within the Small Things, Big Impacts Fund ($20,000).
In 2025, Naturally Lewis awarded a total of more than $550,000 to businesses, nonprofits, municipalities, schools, and community organizations through multiple funding programs. The money helped pay for 32 projects across Lewis County, generating a total economic impact of more than $33.2 million.
“Each of these projects represents an investment not just in a single business or organization, but in the long-term vitality of our communities,” Jenna Lauraine, programs and partnerships director at Naturally Lewis, said in the announcement. “Through creative funding partnerships, we are excited to be able to offer these opportunities to the Lewis County community into the future. The scale of impact we continue to see reflects the power of locally driven investment to strengthen our local economy and quality of life.”
