Helping Local Nonprofits Share Their Mission
Local nonprofits bring people together, provide essential services, and make our communities stronger. Coughlin CARES is designed to help these organizations communicate their work and carry out meaningful projects with practical, locally provided support.
Open to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence
counties. Organizations do not need to be Coughlin clients.
What is
Ways Coughlin CARES Can Help
Print Support
Potential support may include:
- Event programs
- Flyers
- Posters
- Banners
- Postcards
- Brochures
- Signs
- Registration materials
- Informational handouts
Event materials produced through Coughlin CARES helped [Organization] share information about [event or program].
Digital Support
Potential support may include:
- Social media graphics and posts
- Graphic design for event promotions
- Logo design organization branding
- Copy for event blog, newsletter, or graphic captions
- Basic digital campaign support
Website, hosting, advertising, and other continuing costs should only be listed as eligible after internal confirmation.
Volunteer Support
Volunteer requests should explain:
- The event or project
- The type of help needed
- The date, time, and location
- The estimated number of volunteers
- The responsibilities volunteers would perform
- Any training, clothing, physical, or age requirements
Possible volunteer activities may include:
- Event setup
- Event staffing
- Registration assistance
- Material distribution
- Cleanup
- General event support
Availability note: All support depends on the project, requested schedule, available resources, volunteer availability, and CARES approval. Not every product, service, or volunteer request can be accommodated.
Who Is Eligible?
CARES eligibility at a glance
An organization must:
✓ Be a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
✓ Be located in one of these New York counties:
Jefferson County
Lewis County
St. Lawrence County
✓ Submit a project that follows the current CARES schedule
✓ Provide enough information for Coughlin to review the organization and requested support
Good to know
✓ Your organization does not need to be an existing Coughlin client.
✓ An application remains active until the organization is selected or asks to withdraw it.
✓ Applying does not guarantee selection.
✓ Support may be limited by project requirements, timing, available resources, and program approval.
✓ Review the application page for current deadlines before submitting.
Which path is right for you?
Apply for your organization
Choose this option when you are authorized to provide information on behalf of an eligible nonprofit.
You may be asked about:
- Your organization and its 501(c)(3) status
- The community you serve
- Your project or event
- The support you are requesting
- Your timeline
- How the support will be used
- Volunteer responsibilities, when applicable
A little preparation will make the application easier, but the process should be straightforward.
For nonprofit leaders, employees, board members, or authorized representatives.
Nominate a nonprofit
Nominate a nonprofit
Choose this option when you know a nonprofit doing meaningful work but are not applying on its behalf.
Be prepared to share:
- The organization’s name
- Its location
- Why you are recommending it
- What you know about its work or current needs
- Basic contact information, when available
For community members, businesses, volunteers, clients, and supporters.
What happens after a nomination?
After receiving a nomination, the CARES team reviews the information and may contact the organization about the program. A nomination brings an organization to our attention but does not guarantee eligibility or selection. The organization may still need to complete an application before receiving support.
Past Recipient Voices
What CARES support meant to local organizations
Encompass Recreation who brings inclusive sports and recreation to kids and families across Northern New York so that all children have an opportunity to play, learn, and grow – no matter their abilities. We helped by printing their fundraising event tickets and posters to promote the event.
Working with the Coughlin team was an absolute pleasure. They were professional, responsive, and supportive every step of the way. Their guidance made the process smooth and enjoyable, and we are grateful for their expertise and partnership.
–Kylie Schell, Founder & Executive Director
Indian River Lakes Conservancy whose mission is to protect the unique resources of the Indian River Watershed for the benefit and enrichment of present and future generations. IRLC is a community united around water, land, and biological resources as essential elements to the region’s identity, economy, and quality of life. We supported their efforts by printing their Good News update and calendar for their team and appeal letters for our community.
We’ve received wonderful feedback on how the Good News update helped people feel more connected to IRLC’s mission and the at-a-glance calendar has been a valuable resource as we head into 2026. The Coughlin staff made the entire process seamless, they were incredibly responsive and worked quickly to ensure everything was completed and delivered before the holidays. Thank you for putting a sparkle on our 2025 year end goals.
–Katie Syring, Office Manager
Indian River Lakes Conservancy whose mission is to protect the unique resources of the Indian River Watershed for the benefit and enrichment of present and future generations. IRLC is a community united around water, land, and biological resources as essential elements to the region’s identity, economy, and quality of life. We supported their efforts by printing their Good News update and calendar for their team and appeal letters for our community.
We’ve received wonderful feedback on how the Good News update helped people feel more connected to IRLC’s mission and the at-a-glance calendar has been a valuable resource as we head into 2026. The Coughlin staff made the entire process seamless, they were incredibly responsive and worked quickly to ensure everything was completed and delivered before the holidays. Thank you for putting a sparkle on our 2025 year end goals.
–Katie Syring, Office Manager
