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GIVING BACK TO THOSE

WHO GIVE BACK

The Grace Johansen Foundation is committed to engaging young people in their communities.

Since 2017, the Grace Johansen Foundation has awarded annual scholarships to college-bound high school seniors who have dedicated time and energy to actively engaging in their Sullivan County community. In 2022, we launched the Grace Grant to support youth programs and internships in libraries, historical, and arts organizations in the Catskills and Upper Delaware regions. In 2024, we debuted the Spark Grant to support youth-led community-minded projects directly in Sullivan County, New York. Our goal is twofold: to reward community-minded youth and to promote a culture of service through meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities.

Help us empower Catskills youth today.

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We believe in the power of young people.

The Grace Johansen Memorial Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization based in Sullivan County, New York, on the cusp of the Catskill Mountains and the Delaware River Valley.

We meet young people where they are and support their involvement in our shared community. If you’re interested in supporting youth community engagement, consider making a tax-deductible contribution to the Grace Johansen Foundation today.

Spotlighting a 2025 Grace Johansen Memorial Scholarship Winner

Connor White

About Connor

“Hello, my name is Connor White. I grew up in Glen Spey, New York, and graduated from Eldred Junior Senior High School. I am now a freshman at Yale University pursuing a degree in Computer Science and Mathematics. I am interested in the topics of algorithmic problem solving, modular AI systems, and software development, and I enjoy exploring how these areas connect to real-world challenges. I hope to pursue a career as an AI or machine learning engineer. “

Connor made a meaningful impact on his community throughout high school, guided by his family’s deep-rooted belief in the value of education. He regularly tutored elementary students in math and reading, and launched a coding club in his high school where he developed a curriculum for a Python course and led workshops introducing students to computer science concepts. He also served as a teacher’s aide in his school’s music program, and was an active volunteer with the National Honor Society.

Our Mission

To promote and support community engagement among youth in the Catskills and Upper Delaware regions of New York State.

Our Vision

A thriving Catskills and Upper Delaware community of individuals who feel invested in the region’s shared success.

The Strategy

Engage

Spread the word.
Let students know that their volunteerism can help them achieve their college goals.

Invest

Reward change-makers.
Provide scholarships and grants as an investment in our community’s future.

Create

Expand service opportunities.
Establish the means for local organizations to produce enriching volunteer programs for young people.

Learn More

Our Founding Supporters

Gold

  • The River Reporter Newspaper

Silver

  • Jessica Lambert
  • Jake Joyce
  • Russ and Kath Johansen

Bronze

  • Thom and Louann Joyce
  • Regina Garrant
  • Rich and Anne Johansen
  • Hy and Donna Brock
  • Kerrie and Dan Nowak
  • Lo and Roy Schlagenhaft
  • Michael Joyce
  • Carol Montana