LAKE PLACID — The Town of North Elba is accepting applications for grant funding through its Local Enhancement and Advancement Fund (LEAF), a dedicated fund available to nonprofits, local governments and public sector organizations within the town of North Elba. The deadline for submission is Sept. 1.

The Local Enhancement and Advancement Fund provides grants for programs, activities and facilities that offer direct benefits to North Elba communities, while improving the quality of place for both residents and visitors.

Proposed projects must positively impact the community, its residents and its visitors by addressing a significant need in North Elba, completed within a defined timeline and managed by an organization dedicated to sound management. Considered projects must also be sustainable, independent of ongoing LEAF funding.

According to Derek Doty, supervisor of the town of North Elba, “There have been some really significant projects undertaken by local organizations, all of which have had a positive impact on the community and the travelers’ experience,” he said. “We are thrilled with the continued success of this program.”

The Essex County Board of Supervisors, working with the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST), established the Community Tourism and Enhancement Fund (CTEF) in June 2020. This fund is supported through an additional 2 percent occupancy tax, and its proceeds are allocated to the 18 towns within Essex County. Occupancy tax is collected when people stay at a resort, hotel, motel, bed and breakfast or short-term rental property within the county.

The Town of North Elba formalized the distribution of its portion of the funds through the establishment of its LEAF program and associated advisory committee to review the grant applications.

ROOST Chief Executive Officer Dan Kelleher said LEAF funding provides the means for local organizations to enhance their local community, activities and programs.

“ROOST works with local communities and organizations to support local economic and community development of all 18 Essex County towns,” he said. “We’re excited that so many local organizations have benefitted from CTEF and LEAF funding.”

Mary Jane Lawrence, ROOST chief operating officer, noted “A variety of organizations serving North Elba and adjacent regions have benefitted from this grant funding through projects that impact residents and visitors alike,” she said. “A healthy community is a sustainable community and a great place to visit.”

LEAF grant funding is awarded after a review of applications by the LEAF committee, which subsequently presents its recommendations to the Town of North Elba board of directors for final approval. Details on how to apply are available at roostadk.com/leaf-apply. Applications will be accepted until Sept. 1, with awards announced in November.