The Staff Advancement Initiative invests in the skills and competencies of front-line nonprofit staff by reimbursing the costs of professional seminars and training opportunities not covered by their organizations’ existing budget plans.

  • 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations
  • Organizations serving residents of Onondaga, Madison, Oswego, Cortland and Cayuga counties
  • Funding is limited to the front-line staff, non-management or entry-level management employees of nonprofit organizations, and focuses on individualized career advancement for workers who interface directly with clients on a daily basis.
  • No more than two Staff Advancement grants (one grant per person) can be awarded to a single nonprofit organization within a 12-month period

The following professional development examples would qualify for a Staff Advancement grant:

  • Professional seminars and conferences
  • Training classes, varying from one-day skill-building courses to multi-day career enhancing workshops
  • Associated costs such as travel, lodging and childcare
  • Includes virtual seminars, conferences, and trainings
  • Tuition for colleges
  • Training for middle or upper management staff
  • Trainings focused on administrative functions
  • Trainings/conferences that take place within two weeks of submitting the application
  • To apply, complete our online form by selecting the link below.
  • Applications to the Staff Advancement Initiative are accepted year-round.
  • Grant requests should not exceed $1,000
  • Decision notifications are generally made within 10 business days.
Apply Here

If your nonprofit has received a Staff Advancement grant, you are required to submit a final report. These reports assist us in assessing our grantmaking efforts.

Submit a Report

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