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.

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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.

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

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

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

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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.

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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.

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Affiliate Funds

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

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

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

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

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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

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 ...

Children looking through binoculars on Syracuse street
Publications August 1, 2023

Payment Pending: CNY Nonprofit Funding Delays From the State Level

Colby Cyrus, CAPM and Frank Ridzi, Ph.D. outline our analysis of how often New York ...

Two men standing, one sitting in a wheelchair
Blogs July 24, 2023

Community Voices: Promoting Adaptive Recreation in CNY through the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Challenge

Ashley Quimby-Simoni, program manager at the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, shares how adding adaptive ...

Bedroom at Elmcrest's new facility
Stories April 20, 2023

Safeguarding a Sanctuary: Elmcrest Offers Mental Health Services to Youth

Originally established as an orphanage in 1845, Elmcrest offered children protection and safety. As time ...

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 ...

Children looking through binoculars on Syracuse street
Publications August 1, 2023

Payment Pending: CNY Nonprofit Funding Delays From the State Level

Colby Cyrus, CAPM and Frank Ridzi, Ph.D. outline our analysis of how often New York ...

Two men standing, one sitting in a wheelchair
Blogs July 24, 2023

Community Voices: Promoting Adaptive Recreation in CNY through the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Challenge

Ashley Quimby-Simoni, program manager at the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, shares how adding adaptive ...

Bedroom at Elmcrest's new facility
Stories April 20, 2023

Safeguarding a Sanctuary: Elmcrest Offers Mental Health Services to Youth

Originally established as an orphanage in 1845, Elmcrest offered children protection and safety. As time ...

View More