Apply for a Cayuga Community Fund (Cayuga Fund) Grant

Nonprofit organizations in Cayuga County are encouraged to apply for grants to fund innovative projects in the areas of: arts and culture, civic affairs, education, health, human services and the environment.

  • 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, publicly supported organizations such as schools and municipalities, and organizations using a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor
  • Organizations serving residents of Cayuga County
  • Organizations that have completed any projects/programs previously funded by the Cayuga Fund

The Leadership Council looks for innovative programs that address problems to be solved, or opportunities to be seized, in Cayuga County. Priority is given to capacity-building activities and new projects within an organization rather than ongoing projects/programs. We invite proposals that:

  • Suggest practical approaches to community problems.
  • Promote cooperation among agencies without duplicating services.
  • Generate community support, both professional and volunteer.
  • Strengthen an agency’s effectiveness or stability.
  • Address prevention as well as remediation.

We do not make grants for the following:

  • Recurring grants to a program previously supported.
  • Annual operating budgets, except when it is “seed” or “bridge” funding.
  • Endowments.
  • Religious purposes.
  • Loans or assistance to individuals.
  • Medical or academic research (except where requested by a donor).
  • Activities that occurred before the Cayuga Fund’s decision date.

The Cayuga Fund grant application deadline is April 14, 2023 There is only one grant round per year.

  • All Cayuga Fund applications and attachments must be submitted through our online system. Click here to register and log-in to the grant application online portal.
  • Grant requests should not exceed $10,000.
  • You will be notified of the grant decision approximately eight weeks after the deadline date.
Apply Now

If your organization receives a grant, we encourage sharing of photos, outcomes and testimonials upon completion of your funded project. We may also request supplemental information about a previous grant project if your organizations applies for another grant in the future. This information assists us in assessing our grantmaking efforts and sharing stories of impact.

If your organization is not recognized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit, municipality or school district, you may identify a qualified sponsor to act as your organization’s fiscal agent. The fiscal agent must be a legitimate 501(c)(3) organization [or publicly supported organization, e.g., municipality/school district]. One copy of the sponsoring organization’s IRS Letter of Determination showing 501(c)(3) [or equivalent] status must be uploaded with your proposal, along with one copy of the sponsor’s most recent annual financial statements (audited if available), and a current board list. The sponsoring organization must also provide a letter of support, indicating their willingness to oversee the grant finances. If a grant is approved, payment will be made to your organization through your fiscal agent.

News & Stories

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Greater Pulaski Community Fund Logo
News Releases March 15, 2023

Pulaski Fund Now Accepting Grant Applications

Proposals are encouraged from a variety of program areas, including education, health, social services, arts ...

Blogs March 11, 2023

Reflections: Asking the Important Questions

Danielle Johnson explains how we are working to distribute our discretionary grant dollars equitably.

hand holding growing money
Stories March 7, 2023

SECURE 2.0 Introduces Legacy IRA and a Boost for QCDs

Hear from Jan Lane, CAP®, Senior Philanthropic Advisor, about the three key provisions affecting philanthropists ...

News Releases March 7, 2023

Now Accepting Applications for the Frederick K. Kilian Memorial Scholarship

Two scholarships of $3,050 will be awarded and may be renewable annually for up to ...

Students sitting around a table using laptops
Stories March 2, 2023

Junior Achievement Supports Students with Virtual Learning Program

Finding a career can feel like a heavy weight on youths’ shoulders and support may ...

Headshot of Rhoda Sikes along with a photo of Onondaga Lake
Blogs February 21, 2023

A Lifetime Commitment to the Community: Rhoda Sikes

Even well after her tenure ended at Heman Street Elementary School, Rhoda Sike's passion for ...

Blogs February 18, 2023

Reflections: Learning and Working From DEI Principles

Ahmeed Turner explains how and why we prioritize with our staff the importance of learning ...

Teamwork. CNYCF
News Releases February 8, 2023

Community Feedback Results: A Message from our President and CEO

Over the past several months, the Community Foundation embarked on a journey of evaluation that ...

Blogs January 31, 2023

Reflections: Remaking the Mold

Guest writer Angela Outlaw-Matheny from Crewcial Partners explains how her personal experiences influenced her work ...

View More