WATERTOWN — The Northern New York Community Foundation seeks qualified young professionals to serve on its LEAD Council who are interested in enhancing the quality of life across the region.

Applicants should live and work in Jefferson, Lewis, or St. Lawrence counties and desire an opportunity to be more involved in community service while connecting with a peer group that is devoted to making the region better for all residents.

Chartered in 2014, the LEAD Council is an advisory committee of young professionals empowered to identify and address strategic needs in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties and make meaningful investments in the region through community grants and volunteerism. LEAD stands for Leadership, Engagement, Access, and Direction.

Members gain access to the inner workings of local and regional nonprofits and take an active role in the Community Foundation’s work and mission, which has been helping Northern New Yorkers since 1929.

LEAD members also acquire a deeper understanding of community needs and issues through service.

Council members attend monthly meetings, discuss community needs and trends, conduct nonprofit site visits, volunteer to help others, and responsibly award grants to nonprofit organizations that serve the tri-county residents.

The Council presently has open seats for those who are ready to actively participate in the Council’s work and make a lasting impact on the community and region. The number of seats that are filled will depend on the quality of applications the Council receives.

Applicants should complete a brief online application and articulate their skills and talents that would strengthen the Council.

Apply today at bit.ly/LEAD-Application.

The Council is presently comprised of 12 young professionals who live and work in the tri-county area.

Since 2014, the Council has recommended nearly $100,000 in grant funding to support a broad range of nonprofit organizations and initiatives that have helped to improve the quality of life for tri-county residents.

Since its inception, the LEAD Council has developed several creative initiatives to benefit the community and region. Strategic efforts include its “LEADing the Way” volunteer program, enhancements to child care and early childhood development programs, hyperlocal support for anti-poverty initiatives, community giving challenges, and building philanthropic values in the region’s schools through student-led projects.

Visit nnycf.org/programs/lead to learn more about the Council, its history, and current members.