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Focus On Community Understanding Service (FOCUS) - Middle School Grant Program

UNITED WAY OF TOMPKINS COUNTY INC

Foundation Annual Grants for Youth ProgramsYouth Leadership GrantsCommunity Services Grants
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Funding Amount

$2,000 total distributed annually

Deadline

April 30, 2026

23 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Focus On Community Understanding Service (FOCUS)

Overview: FOCUS is an extension of UWTC's Youth and Philanthropy Program. UWTC staff and volunteers work with Dryden middle school students on leadership and development activities, community needs assessments, and a competitive grant cycle for their rural town.

Key Details:

  • Target Students: Dryden middle school students

  • Geographic Scope: Town and Village of Dryden, New York

  • Total Annual Awards: $2,000 distributed to community organizations

  • Focus Area: Community-identified priorities within Dryden

    • Program Components:

  • Leadership and development activities

  • Community needs assessments

  • Competitive grant cycle

  • Student-centered decision making

    • Funding Sources: Half of the funding for grants awarded is provided by a generous donation from the Dryden Youth Opportunity Fund

    Contact:

  • Linda Bruno, Dryden Jr/Sr High School

    • - Email: lbruno1@dryden.k12.ny.us
  • Rebekah Hinton, UWTC

    • - Email: rhinton@uwtc.org
    - Phone: (607) 272-6286

    How to Apply

    How to Apply for Organization Grants

    Applications for the next FOCUS cycle will open April 2026 - Check back for more details.

    Application Process:
    1. Visit the Foundant grant management platform to submit your application
    2. Review the Applicant Tutorial if you need assistance with the platform
    3. Contact for assistance:
    - Rebekah Hinton, Director of Community Impact
    - Email: rhinton@uwtc.org
    - Phone: (607) 272-6286

    Application Requirements:

  • Tax exempt 501(c)(3) status, tax exempt church status, tax exempt governmental status, OR a tax exempt 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor

  • Operations must be located in the Town or Village of Dryden

  • Program must be located in the Town or Village of Dryden

    • How to Get Involved as a Student

    Interested in joining the FOCUS program?

  • Contact Linda Bruno, Dryden Jr/Sr High School at lbruno1@dryden.k12.ny.us

  • Or contact Rebekah Hinton, UWTC at rhinton@uwtc.org

    • Apply with Grantable Learn more

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    youth-programsyouth-leadershipcommunity-services

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