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. In order to partner with our community to make change in this way, we must emphasize the importance of equity and inclusion in the work we do. View our Racial Equity Values & Commitment and Reflections blog to learn more about what we are doing.

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.

  • 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 Onondaga and Madison counties
  • Organizations should have done some initial staff and/or board training around structural racism, engaged in efforts to diversify their staff and/or board, participated in Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) at the staff and/or board levels, or other assessment, or other such activities.

Internal Diversity Equity & Action grants support the following types of projects (this list is not exhaustive, but meant to provide examples):

  • Cultural competency work with staff and/or board
  • Leadership consultation
  • Training for managers
  • Audit of and recommendations for policies and practices, including compensations/benefits analysis, hiring practices, use of vendors, financial and/or service investment, onboarding procedures
  • Incorporation of DEI in strategic and/or financial planning
  • Applications for Internal Diversity Equity & Action (IDEA) grants are accepted year-round.
  • All grant applications must be submitted through our online form.
  • Prospective applicants are asked to discuss their grant request with Community Foundation staff before beginning the application process. Please call Danielle Johnson at (315) 883-5554 or email at djohnson@cnycf.org.
Apply Now

If your organization receives an IDEA grant, we request that you submit a final report. These reports assist us in assessing our grantmaking efforts.

IDEA Grant Reporting
  • The Community Foundation can only pay grants to registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations (including churches) or to a public entity such as a town, public school or state agency. All others will need to use a fiscal sponsor.
Learn More

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