There is tremendous need for the work our local nonprofits are doing in the community, and you deserve to receive support that values the time and effort you are putting in. That is why we offer a number of grant programs that give you the opportunity to receive funding toward your cause without going through an overly daunting process. We seek to bring about positive change and impact while honoring diversity and building inclusion within and across all communities. We offer the following programs to provide responsive guidance and support to projects that enhance the lives of residents within Onondaga, Madison, Cayuga, Cortland and Oswego counties.

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.

Learn More

The Black Equity & Excellence Fund supports community-based projects for the Black community of Central New York that promote and encourage self-sufficiency and improve the physical and economic conditions that affect quality of life.

Learn More

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

Learn More

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

Learn More

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

Learn More

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn More

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.

Affiliate Funds

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

Learn More

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

Learn More

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

Learn More

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

Learn More

Deadline Calendar

Our grant opportunities are offered at various times over the course of the year.

View Deadline Calendar

Reporting

Reports assist us in assessing our grantmaking efforts.

Find Your Report Form

Community Investment Stories

Men gardening
Blogs March 5, 2024

A safe space for Deaf New Americans to develop education, leadership, and life skills without limitation

Monu Chhetri, founder & CEO of Deaf New American Advocacy, Inc. explains how her participation ...

Group of people at event
Publications March 5, 2024

Collaborative Engagement with Nonprofit Partners

Giving Voice Winter 2024: Granting Matters

3 men standing outside
News Releases February 15, 2024

More than $765,000 Distributed to Local Nonprofits

The Central New York Community Foundation recently distributed $769,999 in grants to local nonprofits.

Artwork
Blogs December 27, 2023

Everson Museum Highlights Local Indigenous Artist

In July, the Everson hosted Frank Buffalo Hyde’s first solo exhibit in New York State, ...

Young girl standing next to bookshelf
Stories December 11, 2023

Making Literacy Accessible

The United Way of CNY recently used a $100,000 grant from our Literacy Initiative Fund ...

Man reading with young boy
Blogs December 4, 2023

Providing an Extra Boost to Help Students Thrive

Mike Nash, president at KS&R and Book Buddies Volunteer, shares how he saw the positive ...

Man standing in front of library
Blogs October 17, 2023

Fostering Grassroots Change through The Leadership Classroom

Jacob Gedetsis, founder and director of Write Out and lecturer and coordinator of the Writing ...

Woman sitting with girl holding books
Blogs August 21, 2023

Unlocking Potential through Reading as A Book Buddy Volunteer

Juliet Nabinger, employee benefits senior specialist at OneGroup and Book Buddies Volunteer, shares how her ...

Men gardening
Blogs March 5, 2024

A safe space for Deaf New Americans to develop education, leadership, and life skills without limitation

Monu Chhetri, founder & CEO of Deaf New American Advocacy, Inc. explains how her participation ...

Group of people at event
Publications March 5, 2024

Collaborative Engagement with Nonprofit Partners

Giving Voice Winter 2024: Granting Matters

3 men standing outside
News Releases February 15, 2024

More than $765,000 Distributed to Local Nonprofits

The Central New York Community Foundation recently distributed $769,999 in grants to local nonprofits.

Artwork
Blogs December 27, 2023

Everson Museum Highlights Local Indigenous Artist

In July, the Everson hosted Frank Buffalo Hyde’s first solo exhibit in New York State, ...

Young girl standing next to bookshelf
Stories December 11, 2023

Making Literacy Accessible

The United Way of CNY recently used a $100,000 grant from our Literacy Initiative Fund ...

Man reading with young boy
Blogs December 4, 2023

Providing an Extra Boost to Help Students Thrive

Mike Nash, president at KS&R and Book Buddies Volunteer, shares how he saw the positive ...

Man standing in front of library
Blogs October 17, 2023

Fostering Grassroots Change through The Leadership Classroom

Jacob Gedetsis, founder and director of Write Out and lecturer and coordinator of the Writing ...

Woman sitting with girl holding books
Blogs August 21, 2023

Unlocking Potential through Reading as A Book Buddy Volunteer

Juliet Nabinger, employee benefits senior specialist at OneGroup and Book Buddies Volunteer, shares how her ...

View More