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United Way Announces First Renee Beyer Community
Grants Honoring Local Civic Leader’s Legacy
Published: October 21, 2025
at 06:00 p.m.
By: Press Release from United Way of Northern New
York
United Way Announces First Renee Beyer Community
Grants Honoring Local Civic Leader’s Legacy
LOWVILLE, NY — United Way of
Northern New York has announced the first round of grants awarded through
the Renee Beyer Community Development Fund, established in partnership with
the Northern New York Community Foundation to honor the life and legacy of
Renee Beyer, a dedicated public servant, civic volunteer, and passionate
advocate for Lewis County.
Beyer, who served
as Lewis County’s senior planner and a graduate of the inaugural Lewis
County Leadership Academy, devoted her career to strengthening community
connections and empowering others to lead. Following her passing in 2013,
family, friends, and neighbors came together to create a fund ensuring that
her spirit of collaboration, compassion, and community pride would continue
to inspire action for generations to come.
This year marks
the first time the fund has awarded grants, made possible through local
giving. A volunteer committee of Lewis County residents, including members
of Renee’s family, reviewed applications and selected three projects that
honor her vision for a vibrant, inclusive community. Kelsey Beyer, Renee’s
daughter, visited each grant site to personally present the inaugural grant
awards, celebrating projects that carry forward her mother’s legacy of
community pride and service.
2025 Grant
Recipients
Society for the
Preservation of the West Martinsburg Church —
$1,500 To construct a handicapped-accessible ramp at the
historic West Martinsburg Church, expanding community access to one of the
county’s most treasured heritage landmarks.
From left: Bette Lathan of the Society for the
Preservation of the West Martinsburg Church, Kelsey Beyer, and Doug Rook.
The organization received a $1,500 grant to construct a
handicapped-accessible ramp at the historic church.
Lewis County
Agricultural Society — $4,500 For beautification of the Lewis County
Fairgrounds in Lowville—a gathering place that was dear to Renee’s heart
and continues to unite neighbors across generations.
From left: Rachel Lisk, Fair Manager; Kelsey Beyer;
Doug Hanno, member of the Lewis County Agricultural Society Board; and Matt
O’Connor, Board Chair. The Agricultural Society received a $4,500 grant for
beautification of the Lewis County Fairgrounds in Lowville.
Naturally Lewis —
$2,500 To provide scholarships for emerging small-business
owners to participate in the Lewis County Leadership Academy, cultivating
the next generation of community-minded leaders.
From left: Joanne Witt, Executive Director of
Naturally Lewis; Kelsey Beyer; and Cheyenne Steria, Director of Development
for Naturally Lewis and a fellow classmate of Renee Beyer in the inaugural
Lewis County Leadership Academy. Naturally Lewis received a $2,500 grant to
provide scholarships for emerging small business owners to participate in
the Leadership Academy.
“Renee believed
in the power of local people to create lasting change,” said Dawn Cole,
President & CEO of United Way of Northern New York. “These grants
celebrate that belief, helping small but meaningful projects take root and
grow stronger in the community she loved.”
About the Renee
Beyer Community Development Fund
The fund was
created in 2013 to honor the legacy of Renee Beyer (1969–2013), whose
leadership and love for Lewis County continue to inspire others. Through
this partnership between the Northern New York Community Foundation and
United Way of Northern New York, the fund supports community-led projects
that promote revitalization, leadership, and civic engagement across Lewis
County.
About United Way
of Northern New York
United Way of
Northern New York is a nonprofit organization dedicated to uniting
communities, resources and partners to collaboratively address local needs,
foster impactful programming, and enhance quality of life across the North
Country. For general inquiries, call (315) 788-5631 or email info@unitedway-nny.org
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