CNYCF: Community Grants Program

CNYCF: Community Grants Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Central New York Community Foundation Inc
Last Updated: January 14, 2026

Summary

The Central New York Community Foundation offers the Community Grants Program to support innovative projects by nonprofit organizations in Onondaga and Madison counties. Since 1927, they have invested over $230 million to strengthen local nonprofits. The program encourages projects in arts, education, health, and the environment, with a focus on sustainability. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and those serving local residents. Grants aim to promote community impact and capacity building.

Overview

About Us The Central New York Community Foundation is a public charity that receives contributions from private donors, manages them to grow over time and then distributes funding to local charities to help them thrive. Since our inception in 1927, we have invested more than $230 million in community projects that strengthen our local nonprofits and address the most critical issues of our times. We are the largest charitable foundation in Central New York. Community Grantmaking We offer a wide variety of funding opportunities, the largest of which is our Community Grants program. Nonprofit organizations in Onondaga and Madison counties are encouraged to apply for grants to fund innovative projects in the areas of: arts and culture, civic affairs, education, health, human services and the environment. Types of Projects We support the following types of projects that promote community impact, capacity building and diversity: Capital Projects – including large scale capital campaigns, repairs and replacements, technology upgrades, and equipment/furnishing purchases Program – support for new and innovative programs, or the expansion of proven existing programs that address our community’s most pressing needs Organizational Development – including capacity building efforts around strategic planning, board development and succession planning. Additional Information on Capital Grants Capital projects are defined as proposals that seek funding to purchase or construct a new facility, renovate or add to a current facility, or purchase equipment with an expected useful life of at least three years. For capital campaigns that seek to raise $1 million or more, the Community Foundation will award no more than 10% of the total campaign goal and grants will not exceed $150,000. Funding for smaller projects is assessed on a case by case basis. We fund community re-development capital grants under the following circumstances: The applicant is a nonprofit.  This work makes sense for the applicant since it is related to its organizational mission. The nonprofit applicant owns the building. It has a clear benefit for the broader community.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, publicly supported organizations such as schools and municipalities, and organizations using a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsorOrganizations serving residents of Onondaga and/or Madison countiesOrganizations that have not received a community grant from the Community Foundation in the past 12 monthsOrganizations that have submitted a grant report for any completed program previously funded by the Foundation

Ineligibility

Grant applications will not be considered for capital campaigns with a goal of $1 million or more until at least 50% of the total campaign goal has been raised by the applicant.We do not award grants for permanent renovations to buildings or properties that are not owned by the applicant. That being said, the Community Foundation encourages innovation and cross-sector collaboration.We do not make grants for the following through our Community Grants process:Annual operating budgets, except when it is “seed” or “bridge” fundingEndowmentsReligious purposesLoans or assistance to individualsMedical or academic research (except where requested by a donor)Activities that occurred before the Community Foundation’s decision date