Community Grants & Green Spaces Initiative Grant Program

Community Grants & Green Spaces Initiative Grant Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Carlilian Foundation
Last Updated: June 12, 2025

Summary

The Carlilian Foundation's Community Grants & Green Spaces Initiative aims to enhance the quality of life in Schenectady County, NY, by funding transformative projects that promote capital improvements and community engagement. This initiative supports qualified nonprofits in creating green spaces, community gardens, and recreational areas, fostering a healthier urban environment. By revitalizing underused areas, the Foundation seeks to inspire local residents and organizations to connect with nature and each other, ensuring a vibrant and sustainable community.

Overview

Background The Carlilian Foundation is a private foundation established by the late businessman, community leader and philanthropist Charles W. Carl, Jr., whose estate continues to fund the Foundation, with the intent of providing capital improvement grants to organizations that benefit the people of Schenectady County, New York. The Carlilian Foundation makes grants for projects or programs that benefit the people of Schenectady County, NY. Our grant funds are invested in the following areas of the community: Community Grants The Foundation has an open Community Grants program for any non-profit that serves Schenectady County, NY. Funding is restricted for capital improvements or hard assets needed by organizations that enhance their ability to serve the community. Green Spaces Initiative The Carlilian Foundation’s Green Spaces Initiative is intended to provide support for transformative projects in underserved areas that improve the urban environment, inclusive of but not limited to parks, green spaces, gardens, beautification and recreational opportunities in the City of Schenectady. The Foundation believes there is immense potential to transform urban spaces in ways that improve the health, safety and well-being of our citizens. Blighted or overgrown spaces can be turned into safe, green and accessible places that improve our quality of life. Where there is now only concrete and blacktop there can be grass, trees, shrubs and gardens.  Where space is underutilized and perceived as unsafe there can be accessibility. Some potential uses of grant funds are: Engaging and inspiring communities to create a greener Schenectady through community gardens, beautifying spaces in neighborhoods, and adjoining schools, non-profit and civic institutions.Optimizing urban spaces for greenery and recreation by connecting communities to nature and historical, cultural and recreational sites.Rejuvenating urban parks and enlivening streetscapes to provide common leisure spaces for citizens and visitors to play, celebrate and connect.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving Schenectady county.

Ineligibility

Your proposal will not be eligible if: The request is for other than capital or hard asset needs (e.g. building construction or repair, equipment and supplies).The proposed project does not serve Schenectady County residentsYou have received a grant from the Carlilian Foundation within five years of the date of your proposal. In some cases, upon special request, this condition may be waived.You are not a qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.