The Community Foundation for South Central New York is seeking applications for its 2021 Community Grants Program.

Funding Information

• This program will award up to $100,000 twice a year, in the spring and fall.
• The process is competitive and the maximum award to an organization is $20,000.

Types of Support Available

The areas of support for which qualified organizations may apply are listed below. The minimum award will be $5,001 and the maximum award will be $20,000. If your request is for $5,000 or under, please utilize the Small Grants Program.

• Program – Programs that address a specific, demonstrated community need. The foundation is especially interested in programs that strengthen diversity, equity and inclusion in the following systems: housing, mental health, criminal justice, education and food security.
• Capital – Proposals for property purchase, equipment purchase, facilities improvement, and capital campaigns. A minimum of 2 estimates must accompany a capital request.
• Operating Support – Proposals from established organizations that are in financial distress due to a reduction in traditional funding sources for operations (e.g. individual contributions, event revenue, federal/state/local budget reductions). They will also consider requests for short-term assistance that will improve long-term sustainability.
• Capacity Building - Proposals that build organizational capacity. Of particular interest are proposals that build the organizations capacity to strengthen diversity, equity and inclusion in to both operations and programming.
• Economic and Community Development - Proposals that strengthen the community by strengthening the local economy and encourage local ownership and development of resources particularly in underserved communities

Who May Qualify?

• Any 501(c)(3) where a grant will benefit significantly (but not necessarily exclusively) residents of the Foundation’s service area: Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego and/or Tioga counties.
• Certain local government agencies, municipalities and public-school systems within the Foundation’s service area.
• Organizations requiring a 501(c)(3) as a fiscal sponsor may be eligible to apply.

Note

• An organization may submit only one proposal to the Community Grants program during a calendar year.
• Organizations may not resubmit a proposal for a project previously funded or declined by the Community Foundation unless given permission to do so by Program Officer.
• To support the need for their project, applicants are strongly encouraged to utilize and specifically reference information in any of the foundation’s regional need assessments.
• Capital requests (repairs, equipment, etc.) require a minimum of 2 estimates.

For more information, visit Community Foundation for South Central New York.