We offer a number of grant programs that seek to bring about positive change and impact while honoring diversity and building inclusion within and across our many communities. The following programs provide responsive 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

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 ...

baby sleeping in a crib
Stories April 5, 2023

REACH CNY Assists Families as "Cribs for Kids" Partner

Throughout our lives, we are never as vulnerable as we are in our infancy. It’s ...

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 ...

Group of teens sitting at a table
Publications November 21, 2022

Adding New Flavor to Grantmaking with Participatory Budgeting

Giving Voice Fall 2022: Granting Matters

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 ...

baby sleeping in a crib
Stories April 5, 2023

REACH CNY Assists Families as "Cribs for Kids" Partner

Throughout our lives, we are never as vulnerable as we are in our infancy. It’s ...

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 ...

Group of teens sitting at a table
Publications November 21, 2022

Adding New Flavor to Grantmaking with Participatory Budgeting

Giving Voice Fall 2022: Granting Matters

View More