Improved access to swimming lessons, books for a local day care facility and financial support to a community organization that provides senior meals, a food pantry and other services were three St. Lawrence County nonprofits funded by the LEAD Council of the Northern New York Community Foundation.

The following were awarded a share of $20,000 in LEAD Impact Grant Program funding distributed among 11 organizations in the tri-county area:

• Northern TRIBS Swimming, Massena — $2,700 to improve access to its Learn to Swim programs for second graders across St. Lawrence County. Grant funding will enable month-long lessons to second graders with financial need in seven different St. Lawrence County communities.
• Canton Day Care Center — $1,400 to help the center augment its book collection and materials focused on early childhood literacy. New books and play-based materials will help center staff encourage children between the ages of 18 months and 4 years old to develop a love for reading and learning that will enhance their overall development. Approximately 80 children, from infants to school-age, are enrolled at the center.
• Church & Community Program Church of Canton — $500 to help secure locally sourced goods and bolster the local economy and agriculture industry. The organization offers a food pantry, thrift store, senior meals, and more to seven different St. Lawrence County communities. More than 500 people were served in late summer and patrons have steadily increased through the winter. The organization strives to gather local meat, fruit, and vegetables from local farmers to serve their consumers.

The LEAD Council is an advisory committee of young professionals empowered to make meaningful investments in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties through community grants and volunteerism, according to a press release from the Northern New York Community Foundation.