Our Story
Grace Johansen was born and raised in Narrowsburg, New York, on the banks of the Delaware River. She dedicated her life to volunteerism and community service, helping to found the Narrowsburg branch of the Western-Sullivan Library and the Tusten Historical Society, which she served as president of for more than 25 years. Throughout her life, Grace was deeply passionate about supporting local youth and helping others feel invested in the success of the region. Her family established the Grace Johansen Memorial Foundation after her death to further this mission by providing scholarships to local high school students who demonstrate an interest in bettering their community. Grace’s legacy lives on in the kindness we share with each other as we strive to create a friendlier, more cohesive Catskills community.
Our Board
Leif Johansen, President and Treasurer
Sommer Johansen, Vice President
Peggy Johansen, Secretary
LouAnn Joyce, Board Member
Kerrie Johansen Nowak, Board Member
Emma Mantel, Board Member
Grace Johansen Memorial Scholarship
The Grace Johansen Foundation provides annual scholarships to college-bound high school seniors from Sullivan County, New York who have demonstrated meaningful engagement with their communities. Each scholarship is $750.
Grace Grant
The Grace Grant is awarded to libraries, arts organizations, and historical organizations in Sullivan, Delaware, Ulster, and Greene Counties in New York State, and Wayne and Pike Counties in Pennsylvania. The grant supports community-engaged youth programming and internships, and is available for up to $1,500.
Spark Grant
Spark Grants are project grants of up to $250, awarded directly to individuals under the age of 21 in Sullivan County with bright ideas to improve their communities.
Grace Johansen Foundation 