Internal Diversity, Equity & Action (IDEA) Grants

The Internal Diversity, Equity & Action (IDEA) Grants by the Central New York Community Foundation aim to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion within organizations. This funding opportunity is designed for 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public entities serving Onondaga and Madison counties, encouraging them to implement structural changes that promote equity in their operations. By supporting initiatives such as training and audits, the foundation seeks to address systemic issues and enhance community engagement.

Central New York Community Foundation
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.
The Community Foundation believes that addressing structural racism and other inequities is essential to making Central New York a vibrant community with opportunity for everyone.
We are encouraging organizations to take the next steps in their journey to operationalize diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Internal Diversity Equity & Action (IDEA) grant opportunity is ideal for organizations that are already on the path to creating and sustaining an equitable and inclusive workplace and service delivery.
Types of Projects
Internal Diversity Equity & Action grants support the following types of projects (this list is not exhaustive, but meant to provide examples):

• Cultural competency work with staff and/or board
• Leadership consultation
• Training for managers

Audit of and recommendations for policies and practices, including compensations/benefits analysis, hiring practices, use of vendors, financial and/or service investment, onboarding procedures

Eligibility

501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, publicly supported organizations such as schools and municipalities, and organizations using a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor.
Organizations serving residents of Onondaga and Madison counties
Organizations should have done some initial staff and/or board training around structural racism, engaged in efforts to diversify their staff and/or board, participated in Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) at the staff and/or board levels, or other assessment, or other such activities.Fiscal Sponsorship:The Community Foundation can only pay grants to registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations (including churches) or to a public entity such as a town, public school or state agency. All others will need to use a fiscal sponsor.