COVID-19 Community Support Fund Grantmaking

The COVID-19 Community Support Fund is providing flexible resources to organizations in Central New York working with communities who are disproportionately impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19) and the economic consequences of this outbreak. This fund is a partnership of the Central New York Community Foundation, United Way of Central New York, Allyn Foundation, The Dorothy and Marshall M. Reisman Foundation, Health Foundation for Western & Central New York, the City of Syracuse and Onondaga County.

These grants are intended to help our community respond to the challenges caused by the pandemic by addressing the basic needs of members of our community. Funds will be released on a rolling basis as fundraising continues throughout the outbreak and recovery phases of the crisis. Because this is an evolving situation, these will be will be rapid-response, short-term grants (up to 4 weeks of funding) that may be renewable based on ongoing need.

Grants are limited to 501(c)3 organizations, fiscal sponsors or other charitable organizations able to receive tax-deductible contributions such as schools, faith-based organizations and other public entities. Grants cannot be made to individuals. We recommend that residents call 211 or visit http://211cny.org to find out what resources and services are available to them.

Applicants are asked to demonstrate potential to:
1. Address a Basic Need (such as food, housing, childcare etc.)
2. Serve vulnerable populations (especially in underserved neighborhoods)
3. Commit to documenting services provided and impact

Renewed funding, if it becomes available, will be based on the organization’s ability to provide services and documented impact.

Both current grantees with the Central New York Community Foundation and new applicants are eligible to apply.

Services not eligible for funding at this time include: arts, animal welfare, environment, medical testing, and staff retention. Funding is currently limited to organizations serving Onondaga County. If you are applying for COVID-19 support efforts in Cayuga, Madison, or Oswego counties or to the Women’s Fund, click here.