CFSCNY: Racial Justice and Equity Fund Grant

The CFSCNY Racial Justice and Equity Fund, established in 2020, addresses systemic inequities faced by marginalized communities. With a focus on leadership, health, economic stability, arts, civic engagement, and youth education, the fund invites proposals for initiatives that empower individuals and promote inclusivity. By fostering community input and supporting diverse projects, the fund aims to create a more equitable society where everyone can thrive. This commitment is crucial as racial justice remains a pressing issue in today’s world.

History of the Fund
In response to the calls and encouragement from our community, the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors established the Racial Justice and Equity Fund in 2020 with an initial investment of $100,000. Now, in 2025, it remains evident that the issue of racial justice and equity is of paramount importance and demands ongoing attention and action. To maintain alignment with the communities we serve, we organized a focus group of individuals from diverse backgrounds, particularly people of color, to delve into their perspectives on racial justice and equity. It involves actively working to address systemic inequities and create a more just and inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. This group’s invaluable input has been instrumental in shaping our future actions and strategies, including the formulation of updated funding priorities outlined below.
Types of Projects, Programs
Leadership and Advancement: Marginalized communities continue to encounter systemic barriers and are at a disadvantage in terms of employment opportunities, professional growth, and career advancement. Their day-to-day reality is affected by implicit biases and unequal treatment within the workplace, resulting in an inferior quality of experience. We welcome proposals such as:Programs that promote training and education including technical trainingLeadership trainingEmpowerment programs and mentoringNon-profit start-up assistanceHealth and Wellness: The healthcare system exhibits significant inequities when it comes to serving marginalized communities including access, quality of care, implicit bias, cultural competence, and structural racism. Some examples include:Programs that support achieving equitable healthcare outcomesProposals addressing access to mental health services or promote healing and well-beingAccess to basic needs including equitable access to housing, transportation, and childcareSustainable living practicesBusiness and Wealth Creation: Persistent systemic inequities and obstacles prevent individuals of color from attaining economic stability leading to pronounced racial disparities in wealth and income. We aim to support programs and policies that help break down these barriers such as:Business planningFinancial literacyWealth buildingCommunity empowermentArts and Culture: The arts and culture sector play a pivotal role in shaping and perpetuating narratives that define belonging within society. By showcasing art, culture, voices, and experiences of marginalized communities, it has the power to profoundly influence social justice movements and promote inclusivity and equity. Examples include:Support for Black-centered eventsPrograms to bolster BIPOC/LGBTQ+/rural artistsCommunity building activitiesCivic Engagement: Building healthy, sustainable, and equitable communities requires civic and social engagement of community members. We aim to aid in this endeavor by inviting proposals such as:Social justice and policy trainingCivics and voting educationYouth and Education: Disparities in education vary across communities, encompassing issues like unequal funding and budget reductions, as well as disproportionate disciplinary actions against students from marginalized communities. We want to address these challenges by seeking proposals such as:Tutoring and mentoring programsAfter-school/summer enrichment programsCollege preparation and access programsYouth councils and leadership training programs

Eligibility

Who is Eligible?501 (c) 3 organizations in Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego and Tioga counties Organizations requiring a fiscal sponsor, please contact the program officer to discuss.Certain local government agencies, municipalities, public school systems within the Foundation’s five-county region

Ineligibility

What we won't fund:Reimbursement costs incurred prior the grant award date.Existing mortgages.Individuals without a fiscal sponsor.Churches or organizations for religious purposes.In general, funding to organizations that have so many counterparts (e.g. scout troops, ambulance squads, volunteer or municipal fire departments, individual schools within a school district, individual school classrooms, PTAs) that it would be difficult to assess the relative merits of similar proposals. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Program Officer and Executive Director based on the urgency of the community need.