Man sitting in wheelchair writing

Allen Speiser Memorial Fund Accepting Applications for Grant Opportunity

The Allen Speiser Memorial Vocational Rehabilitation Fund offers grants to support special projects, make new investments or provide additional staff training – filling in the gaps that aren't covered by government sources or other private funding. Grant applications will accepted until March 5, 2021.

The Allen Speiser Memorial Vocational Rehabilitation Fund is now accepting grant applications. Grant applications will be accepted from programs that promote the placement and retention of employees with disabilities in the workforce.

The application deadline is March 5, 2021. Eligibility is limited to 501(c)(3) nonprofit, human service organizations that serve people with disabilities in Onondaga, Madison, Oswego, Cortland or Cayuga counties. Collaborating entities may apply and creativity is encouraged. Also this year, consideration will be given to governmental departments, educational departments and student service offices.

Visit www.cnycf.org/Speiser for guidelines on how to apply. Questions may be directed to Danielle Johnson at (315) 883-5554 or djohnson@cnycf.org.

Formerly the C.I.G.S. Foundation, the Allen Speiser Memorial Vocational Rehabilitation Fund was established in 2001. The Fund offers grants to support special projects, make new investments or provide additional staff training – filling in the gaps that aren’t covered by government sources or other private funding. Vocational rehabilitation is the process of assisting people with any disabling condition to acquire the social, educational and work skills that will lead to employment.

###

The Central New York Community Foundation is a public charity established in 1927 that collects contributions from donors, manages them to grow over time and then distributes funding to local charities to help them thrive. It is the largest charitable foundation in Central New York with assets of nearly $260 million and has invested more than $200 million in community improvement projects since its inception. As a grantmaker, civic leader, convener and sponsor of strategic initiatives, the Community Foundation strives to strengthen local nonprofits, encourage better understanding of the region and address the most critical issues of our time.

Related Stories

News Releases September 16, 2026

Central New York Community Foundation Welcomes New Hire

The Central New York Community Foundation has hired Madeline Thibault, Esq., as Philanthropic Advisor.

News Releases September 3, 2026

More Than $1.3 Million Distributed to CNY Nonprofits

The Central New York Community Foundation recently distributed $1,301,606 in grants from our Community Fund ...

chamber staff with melanie
News Releases August 21, 2026

Chamber Chosen by Cortland County Residents to Receive $75K for Expanding Childcare

The winning grant will be used to help the chamber hire a project professional who ...

News Releases August 12, 2026

WCNY Training Program Helps 40 People Start New Careers

A $490,000 impact investment helped WCNY train 40 people for new careers in television and ...

News Releases August 5, 2026

Central New York Community Foundation Welcomes New Hire

The Central New York Community Foundation has hired Carly Christian as Office Manager.

News Releases July 30, 2026

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

The Cayuga Community Fund has announced its 2026 grant recipients.

News Releases July 30, 2026

Pulaski Fund Distributes $41,220 in Grants

Over $40,000 in grants will assist nonprofits serving the Village of Pulaski and the Town ...

News Releases July 16, 2026

Say Yes Syracuse 2024-2025 Report Card Released

See how the Say Yes Syracuse program is doing!

News Releases July 7, 2026

Four Local Organizations Graduate from Leadership Training Program

Leaders from four local grassroots organizations completed The Leadership Classroom (TLC), a monthly training series ...

News Releases September 16, 2026

Central New York Community Foundation Welcomes New Hire

The Central New York Community Foundation has hired Madeline Thibault, Esq., as Philanthropic Advisor.

News Releases September 3, 2026

More Than $1.3 Million Distributed to CNY Nonprofits

The Central New York Community Foundation recently distributed $1,301,606 in grants from our Community Fund ...

chamber staff with melanie
News Releases August 21, 2026

Chamber Chosen by Cortland County Residents to Receive $75K for Expanding Childcare

The winning grant will be used to help the chamber hire a project professional who ...

News Releases August 12, 2026

WCNY Training Program Helps 40 People Start New Careers

A $490,000 impact investment helped WCNY train 40 people for new careers in television and ...

News Releases August 5, 2026

Central New York Community Foundation Welcomes New Hire

The Central New York Community Foundation has hired Carly Christian as Office Manager.

News Releases July 30, 2026

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

The Cayuga Community Fund has announced its 2026 grant recipients.

News Releases July 30, 2026

Pulaski Fund Distributes $41,220 in Grants

Over $40,000 in grants will assist nonprofits serving the Village of Pulaski and the Town ...

News Releases July 16, 2026

Say Yes Syracuse 2024-2025 Report Card Released

See how the Say Yes Syracuse program is doing!

News Releases July 7, 2026

Four Local Organizations Graduate from Leadership Training Program

Leaders from four local grassroots organizations completed The Leadership Classroom (TLC), a monthly training series ...

View More