Grants

Our largest funding opportunity, the Community Grant program accepts applications from tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations in Onondaga and Madison counties seeking to fund innovative projects in the areas of: arts and culture, civic affairs, education, health, human services and the environment.

The Black Equity & Excellence Fund supports projects that center, uplift, and serve Black communities in Central New York by addressing economic and social disparities caused by historic marginalization. The fund is dedicated to fostering self-sufficiency, economic development, and community empowerment.

The Cortland County Bright Ideas Program provides grants to nonprofit organizations that directly benefit the residents of Cortland County.

An effort to support poverty-related efforts in Madison County through funding, impact investing and community leadership.

A program that awards mini-grants to cover the costs of environmental improvement projects.

The Strategic Partnership Fund supports organizations seeking to create new synergies in and between nonprofits, such as mergers and affiliations, that will enable them to enhance program delivery and achieve more effective and efficient use of limited financial and human resources.

The Community Foundation believes that addressing structural racism and other inequities is essential to making Central New York a vibrant community with opportunity for everyone. We are encouraging organizations to take the next steps in their journey to operationalize diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Internal Diversity Equity & Action (IDEA) grant opportunity is ideal for organizations that are already on the path to creating and sustaining an equitable and inclusive workplace and service delivery.

Capital and programmatic grants $10,000-$150,000 are available through the Dr. Robert J. Vitkus Fund to organizations in Onondaga, Madison, Cortland, Cayuga and Oswego counties that support outdoor parks and recreation areas. Preferences are for parks and recreation areas that provide access for hunting and fishing, naming opportunities, programs that involve youth, and conservation efforts to improve wildlife habitat and forest health. For more information, contact us.

The Cayuga Community Fund provides grants to nonprofit organizations that directly benefit the residents of Cayuga County.

The Pulaski Fund provides grants to nonprofit organizations addressing community needs in the village of Pulaski and the town of Richland in Oswego County.

The Oswego County Community Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations that directly benefit the residents of Oswego County.

The Women’s Fund supports projects that improve the lives of women and girls in Central New York.