CNYCF: Strategic Sustainability Fund Grant

CNYCF: Strategic Sustainability Fund Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Central New York Community Foundation Inc
Amount: Up to US $10,000
Last Updated: March 22, 2026

Summary

The Central New York Community Foundation's Strategic Partnership Funds support nonprofit organizations in creating collaborations, such as mergers and affiliations, to enhance their effectiveness and resource use. Grants typically do not exceed $25,000, but innovative projects may qualify for larger funding. 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.

Overview

NOTE: Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their grant request with Community Foundation staff before beginning the application process. About Us The Central New York Community Foundation is a public charity that turns community dollars into community change. 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. It also serves as a civic leader, convener and sponsor of strategic initiatives that foster a thriving and equitable region and address the most critical issues of our time. What We Do The gifts we receive come from those who want to give back to Central New York in some way – either during their lifetimes or as a legacy that carries on after they are gone. We then turn those community dollars into community change – by supporting and mobilizing nonprofit efforts around the region’s most critical needs. 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

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, 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.