Nonprofits across Central New York are doing incredible work—launching creative programs, improving facilities, and building stronger organizations to serve our communities. As more groups bring forward innovative ideas, the number of applications to our Community Grant program has grown dramatically. This surge reflects their dedication and vision, but it also means the competition for funding is stronger than ever.
We’ve heard from many nonprofits that it can be hard to know when and how to apply for the best chance of success. To make the process clearer and more applicant-friendly, we are introducing priority focus areas in each Community Grant round beginning in 2026. These priorities are designed to give applicants greater clarity on where funding is most available in a given cycle, making the application process more predictable and fair.
Priority Areas
Spring round (February 26, 2026 Deadline): Arts & culture, environment, animals, civic engagement, education projects
Fall round (August 29, 2026 Deadline): Health, human services, economic development projects
Please note: This is not a new pool of funding. The total dollars available for Community Grants will remain similar to past years. The change is intended only to make the process easier, fairer, and more transparent.
Join us for an Information session!
Please join us for a very important information session to learn more about our new process and get your questions answered. The session will be recorded and available for playback. Register here
Why We’re Making This Change
- More applications than ever. In recent years, applications have more than doubled—from 25–30 per round to 70–80. With funding tied to 77 donor-restricted Field of Interest Funds, we can only award a limited number of grants per cycle, often turning away strong proposals due to availability of funds.
- Clearer alignment. Priority areas will help applicants determine the best time to apply and increase the likelihood of success by aligning with available funding.
- Fairer comparisons. Instead of weighing proposals from very different fields—such as a youth literacy program and a senior center renovation—in the same review process, priority areas allow us to review “like with like,” leading to more consistent funding decisions.
- More timely funding. In the past, we held back funds for future cycles. Now, by assigning priorities to each round, we can release those dollars immediately, ensuring resources reach nonprofits more quickly.
FAQ
Can I still apply in either grant round?
Yes. You can apply in either round, but each round will prioritize specific focus areas. This change is meant to help organizations plan ahead and apply in the round that best fits their project. Please note: this is not a new funding opportunity—the overall dollars available remain the same.
What will be the priority areas for each round?
- Spring round: Arts & culture, environment, animals, civic engagement, education projects
- Fall round: Health, human services, economic development projects
Will the types of projects you fund change?
No. We will continue funding programmatic, capital, and organizational development projects. The only change is how priorities are organized in each round.
What if I am unclear about which round to apply to?
All applicants are required to speak with staff before submitting. We also encourage ongoing conversations throughout the year to help you determine which round best fits your proposal. Contact us at 315.422.9538 or complete this form to set up an appointment.
