To complete the Lewis County Leadership Academy, your full participation is required. You must notify staff if you are unable to attend a session and are allowed 2 absences. Take a look at the tentative schedule before submitting your application. Please note that sessions are subject to change and staff will provide at least one (1) week notice of any session changes, excluding emergency events (ex. weather related cancellations).

The Northern New York Community Foundation is partnering with Naturally Lewis to provide tuition support for nonprofit employees applying to the Lewis County Leadership Academy program. Naturally Lewis and Community Foundation each believe in providing meaningful access to important sectors of the community through this leadership program. Please read the guidelines below to ensure eligibility for tuition assistance.

Eligibility

Applicants must be employed by a nonprofit organization located in Lewis County with 20 or fewer employees. The applying nonprofit organization must be a current member of Naturally Lewis in good standing.

Terms & Conditions

If an individual is awarded tuition assistance, the portion awarded will be paid directly to Naturally Lewis from the Northern New York Community Foundation. The remaining amount, if any, is the responsibility of the awardee or employer of the awardee (indicated on application). The remaining amount must be paid prior to the program kick-off on September 1, 2026.

FOR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS WITH UNDER 20 EMPLOYEES: You may request tuition assistance through a partnership with the Northern New York Community Foundation.

Please complete the following section (if applicable): 

Naturally Lewis has received funding from the United Way of Northern NY through the Renee Beyer fund to support $300-$500 scholarships for emerging small business owners to enroll in Leadership Academy. 

Renee Beyer, an inspiring local leader and graduate of the Leadership Academy's inaugural class, had a vision to scale-up emerging leaders and connect youth and professionals within their communities. This partnership brings together these leadership efforts with the goal to expand access, deepen impact and continue Renee Beyer's legacy of grassroots leadership.

Eligibility

Applicants must either own or be employed by a small business located in Lewis County with 20 or fewer employees. 

Terms & Conditions

If an individual is awarded tuition assistance, the portion awarded will be reflected as a discount on your invoice for the program. The remaining amount, if any, is the responsibility of the awardee or employer of the awardee (indicated on application). The remaining amount must be paid prior to the program kick-off on September 1, 2026.

FOR SMALL BUSINESSES IN LEWIS COUNTY: You may submit a request for a partial scholarship ($300-$500) through a partnership with the United Way of Northern NY and the Renee Beyer Community Development Fund.

Please complete the following section (if applicable):

Tuition for the Lewis County Leadership Academy is $1,000 for Naturally Lewis Members and $1,500 for Non-Members. Participants that are accepted into the program will be notified and payment is due prior to the first session. If you require financial assistance, please contact Naturally Lewis for availability. Please list below the billing contact, if you are accepted into the program.