CFECFL Community Grant Program

Funder: Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Inc.

The CFECFL Community Grant Program offers competitive grants to nonprofit organizations serving Chemung and Southeastern Steuben counties. Grants support diverse areas including the arts, education, environment, and human services. Eligible organizations must be locally based, IRS 501(c)(3) classified, and demonstrate successful prior grant completion. The program focuses on direct service, capital projects, and organizational development, providing unrestricted funding to enhance nonprofit missions and community impact.

The Community Grant Program is an open, competitive program through which grants are made to nonprofit organizations residing in and serving the citizens of Chemung and Southeastern Steuben counties. A panel of community members review and recommend grant awards to the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors. Grants are made annually in the areas of the arts, culture, education, youth, environment, animals, human services, and capacity building.
Program Support
Community Foundation funds a wide variety of programs and projects across all program areas. Most grants, however, fall into three categories:
Community Foundation funds a wide variety of programs and projects across all program areas. Most grants, however, fall into three categories:
Program or Direct Service Grants – for costs associated with the implementation of the programCapital Grants – for costs related to building construction, building renovation or capital equipmentOrganizational Development and Capacity Building Grants - for costs related to activities such as strategic planning, board development, program planning, performance management and evaluation, succession planning or marketing and communications. Other organizational capacity areas under this category include business planning, fund development, facility planning and management systems (financial, HR, technology)
General Operating Supprot
The general operating support grant is an opportunity to provide nonprofits located in and providing services for the residents of Chemung and/or Southeastern Steuben counties with unrestricted funding to achieve their missions

Eligibility

Program Grants: The Community Foundation supports a wide variety of nonprofits but does restrict itself to organizations: Located in and providing services within Chemung and/or SE Steuben Counties; Classified by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service under Section 501(c)(3) of the I.R.S.; or publicly supported organizations such as school districts and municipalities and have submitted any follow-up report due Successfully completed the scope of work defined in prior Community Foundation grant application(s)General Operating Support Grants:  Nonprofit organizations that meet the following requirements are eligible to apply for a General Operating Support grant:Located in and providing services within Chemung and/or SE Steuben Counties;Classified by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service under Section 501(c)(3) of the I.R.S.A minimum five-year operating history after the date of receipt of its 501(c)(3) classification;Annual operating expenses greater than $50,000 as reflected in the most recently filed I.R.S. Form 990;Applied for a Community Grant Program grant within the last five years;Successfully completed the scope of work defined in prior grant application(s) and have submitted any follow-up report due;Have at least one full-time paid employee (employed by the organization and working at least 35 hours per week);Have a current written strategic or business plan for the organization that forecasts at least 24 months. The plan should include: 1. Mission and vision statements, 2. Stakeholder participation (staff, board, consumers/clients, volunteers, etc.), 3. Strategic goals and  measureable objectives, 4. Implementation plan showing action steps, a timeline and assigned staff and board responsibilities, 5. Quarterly, semi-annual or annual written assessment by staff and board to measure organizational progress towards goals.Proposals from faith-based organizations will only be considered if:service benefits all, regardless of religion;service provided is not religious in nature; andthere is no proselytizing associated with the service.

Ineligibility

What activities are ineligible for funding?The Community Foundation generally does not make grants from unrestricted funds for the following:Individuals (except through scholarships for education)Deficit funding or debt retirementTrips for schools or clubsActivities taking place before grant decisions are madePolitical or partisan purposesReligious purposesAnnual campaigns, special event fundraisers or sponsorships