Cayuga Community Fund Distributes More Than $165,000 in Grants

The Cayuga Community Fund has announced its 2026 grant recipients.

The Cayuga Community Fund, an affiliate fund of the Central New York Community Foundation, distributed $169,509 to 26 nonprofit organizations that serve residents of Cayuga County.

Auburn Church of the Nazarene received $10,000 for continuation of the Free Laundry Saturdays event. The monthly program provides free laundry services, complimentary supplies, and access to an on-site mobile pantry for Auburn-area residents.

Auburn Community Cats TNR received $7,500 for the expansion of TNR clinic services. The program provides humane trapping, spay and neuter surgeries, vaccinations and colony management support to help stabilize and reduce the outdoor cat population.

Auburn Community Garden received $4,850 for the creation of an urban youth education farm. An urban youth education farm is a small city farm used to teach kids how to grow food, learn about sustainable agriculture, and donate fresh produce to people in need.

Auburn Public Theater received $9,089 for the purchase of wireless audio equipment.

Aurora of CNY received $7,603 for the Sense of Inclusion program, which delivers educational presentations to schools, medical providers, community groups, first responders, and law enforcement to promote greater understanding and inclusion for individuals with sensory loss.

Booker T. Washington Community Center received $3,444 for the purchase of an adaptive swing. An inclusive play and therapy seat designed to securely support children or adults with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities.

Cayuga Counseling Services received $10,000 to train staff in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Cayuga Museum of History and Art received $3,500 for additional safety and accessibility upgrades to the museum.

Central New York Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Alliance received $10,000 to expand the Tick-Borne Disease Prevention and Education Program into Cayuga County.

Healing H’Arts Equestrian Center received $2,000 for an Equine Assisted Learning Course. The program provides equine-assisted educational experiences through interactive horse workshops and therapeutic services led by occupational therapist Kirsta Malone.

King Ferry Food Pantry received $10,000 for the purchase of food items for pantry clients.

Literacy Volunteers of Cayuga County received $5,000 to purchase supplies for the training and tutor workbook and resource library.

Merry-Go-Round Playhouse | The Rev Theatre Company received $5,000 for the continuation of the REV On Tour program in Cayuga County. The program brings live theatrical performances and educational arts experiences directly to schools, libraries and community venues throughout Cayuga County.

Mozaic received $5,000 for the launch of a community closet in Auburn. The Community Closet offers free clothing and other essential items to individuals and families in need, helping remove barriers to everyday living.

Nutrition Education For All received $2,000 to expand the Healthy Start nutrition education program for second-grade students at Genesee Elementary School.

NYS Equal Rights Heritage Center received $5,000 in support of the “Harriet: A Taste of Freedom” exhibition.

Perform 4 Purpose received $10,000 to purchase a second set of professional sound and stage equipment.

Rising Phoenix Sports Program received $7,800 for implementation of its program at the Harriet Tubman Residential Center. Through sports-based activities, the program helps girls in juvenile justice facilities build resilience, strengthen leadership skills and support their social and emotional well-being.

Running Start received $10,000 for the expansion of the 1st Amendment 1st Vote program to all high schools in Cayuga County. The program educates students about the First Amendment, civic engagement and the importance of informed participation in the democratic process.

Safe & Warm received $10,000 for the creation of the “Home at Last” rental deposit fund. The fund helps individuals and families overcome financial barriers to securing stable housing by assisting with rental security deposits.

Schweinfurth Art Center | Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center received $7,500 for the expansion of scholarship opportunities for children and adults.

Seward House Museum received $9,269 to purchase audio equipment for museum accessibility.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace received $4,054 to construct and deliver beds to children in Auburn.

Syracuse Rescue Mission Alliance received $8,400 for a summer youth recreation program that provides local educational outings, seasonal events, and enriching activities that encourage connection, recreation and positive youth development.

Syracuse Shakespeare in the Park received $1,000 for a future performance of “The Taming of the Shrew” at the Seward House.

Westminster Presbyterian Church received $1,500 for the installation of a hearing assistance system.

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The Cayuga Community Fund, created in 2008, is a geographically-specific fund created to serve as a source of permanent charitable dollars available to nonprofits serving residents of Cayuga County. Grants are awarded from the endowment fund annually to aid vital programs in education, health, social services, the arts, civic and environmental concerns, as well as the preservation of historic resources in Cayuga County. The Cayuga Community Fund has granted more than $775,000 to nonprofit groups since 2010. To learn more about the Cayuga Community Fund, including how to make a contribution, visit cnycf.org/cayuga. The Cayuga Community Fund is an affiliate fund of the Central New York Community Foundation, cnycf.org.

About the Central New York Community Foundation

The Central New York Community Foundation is a public charity that turns community dollars into community change. Established in 1927, it receives contributions from donors, manages them to grow over time and then distributes funding to address the region’s greatest needs. The foundation has invested more than $350 million in community projects that benefit Central New York. It also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of strategic initiatives that foster a thriving and equitable region and address the most critical issues of our time.

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