F.I.S.T. Grant

The F.I.S.T. Grant, offered by the Steuben County Community Foundation, supports nonprofit and school projects that positively impact the youth of Steuben County. Grants of up to $2,000 are available for initiatives such as educational trips and creative projects that empower youth to give back to their community. Eligible applicants include school employees and nonprofit organizations, with the goal of inspiring the next generation of community leaders.

Steuben County Community Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations to support their critical work in creating brighter tomorrows for our community. Our grants are made possible by the generosity of our donors, who are passionate about these fields of interest.
For programs that support nonprofit and school projects that positively impact the youth of Steuben County. Examples include an educational trip, special events, or creative projects that empower the youth of Steuben County to give back to their community. FIST also seeks opportunities for its members to volunteer at events, encouraging local nonprofit organizations to engage with the youth who will become our future community leaders.
The application process requires a detailed description of the program and an itemized budget or cost estimate. Grants of up to $2,000 will be awarded to programs that align with FIST’s mission: to inspire Steuben County youth to become tomorrow's leaders by sharing their resources and empowering others to donate their time, talent, and treasures.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include any school employee or nonprofit organization located in or serving Steuben County, including churches and service clubs.Please note that Parent-Teacher Organizations (PTOs) must possess 501(c)(3) status to apply.School employees should apply using the name of their school district as their organization.

Ineligibility

FIST does not fund general classroom supplies or projects that do not fit the mission statement.We do not fund individuals, organizations with outstanding grant reports due to SCCF, or organizations that do not serve Steuben County. Projects typically fully funded by the government or schoolsReligious activities that do not serve the community at largePolitical organizations or campaignsProjects that duplicate existing services without collaborationProjects where SCCF is the sole funderRequests for projects that have already occurred or debt reductionRequests for a project that SCCF has funded for three consecutive yearsFundraising campaigns