CNYCF: Strategic Sustainability Fund Grant

The Central New York Community Foundation's Strategic Sustainability Fund supports nonprofit organizations in creating collaborations, such as mergers and affiliations, to enhance their effectiveness and resource use. Requests may not exceed $10,000, and applications are accepted year-round. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations serving Onondaga, Madison, Oswego, Cortland, or Cayuga counties, focusing on initiatives that address community needs and foster partnerships.

NOTE: Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their grant request with Community Foundation staff before beginning the application process.
Established in 1927, it receives contributions from donors, manages them to grow over time and then distributes funding to address the region’s greatest needs. The foundation has invested more than $320 million in community projects that benefit Central New York.
Grants
There is tremendous need for the work our local nonprofits are doing in the community, and you deserve to receive support that values the time and effort you are putting in. That is why we offer a number of grant programs that give you the opportunity to receive funding toward your cause without going through an overly daunting process. We seek to bring about positive change and impact while honoring diversity and building inclusion within and across all communities. We offer the following programs to provide responsive guidance and support to projects that enhance the lives of residents within Onondaga, Madison, Cayuga, Cortland and Oswego counties.
Strategic Partnership Funds
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. Our hope is that the financial support offered through the Strategic Sustainability Fund will enable nonprofits in our region to continue to collaborate and thrive.
Types of Projects
There are two main categories of projects eligible for support from the Strategic Sustainability Fund:

• Strategic partnerships, affiliations, mergers, etc.Organizational planning (for example, strategic planning or succession planning)
• Please contact our staff to determine which of these categories best fits your needs.

Eligibility

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, Madison, Oswego, Cortland or Cayuga counties are eligible to apply for support for strategic partnership activities.Organizations serving residents of Onondaga and Madison counties are eligible to apply for organizational planning activities.Please note: applicants may only receive funding in one of the two project categories per year.Typical expenses supported include professional, legal, human resource management, technical assistance, working with consultants, etc.