John Ben Snow Foundation Grant

The John Ben Snow Foundation provides funding primarily for tax-exempt organizations in Central New York, focusing on education, arts, community initiatives, and youth programs. Established in 1948, the foundation prioritizes proposals that enhance educational opportunities and reduce barriers for under-resourced individuals. Additionally, it considers projects in environmental and historic preservation, though these areas receive limited funding. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $10,000.

The John Ben Snow Foundation is a private foundation that focuses funding for tax-exempt organizations primarily serving Central New York defined as Onondaga County and its four surrounding counties of Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, and Oswego. The Board and Program Staff seek to collaboratively create proposals within specific Grant Programs while responding to the changing needs of targeted populations. We especially seek to close the opportunity gap for individuals who are under-resourced.
Dating back to the inception of the Foundation in 1948, the primary and overarching grant making priority has been and continues to be programs that focus on education.
Education: Primary and secondary education, literacy, and vocational training are essential ingredients to improving life outcomes. To reduce barriers that limit equitable opportunities and expand equal access to quality education. Supporting early childhood education, academic tutoring, literacy, college access, internships, scholarships, fellowships, and journalism focused on underrepresented populations and first generation students
Secondarily, the Foundation considers proposals within the areas of Arts and Culture, Community Initiatives, and Youth Programs. The Board’s objective is to extend the primary educational focus by providing funding support within these additional program areas.
Arts and Culture: Engagement in the arts creates a stronger and more vibrant community and culture.To foster arts education and appreciation. Through educational curriculum, instruction, and engagement of young adults via visiting artists or performancesCommunity Initiatives: A resilient social infrastructure is essential to a healthy local community. To directly enhance the lives of residents within our core geographic regions by expanding services that bridge the poverty gap. Investing in community centers, safe and affordable housing, human services delivered by shelters and food pantries, and veterans services.Youth Programs: Encouraging young adults to dream and equipping them to succeed can change the trajectory of their lives. To empower young adults in their personal development and to equip them in their professional aspirations. Developing sustained relationships that offer one-on-one mentoring, character education, skills training, and violence prevention.
As a third priority, the Foundation does consider proposals in the areas of Disabilities and Universal Access, Environmental, and Historic Preservation. As these are not core focus areas, funding is often limited. Priority will be given to proposals with an educational focus.
Disabilities and Universal Access: A person with a physical, mental, or emotional disability should have equal access to opportunity within the community. To support services for individuals with a disability as well as provide universal access to facilities for these individuals. Supporting programs for people with disabilities as well as required facility renovations to enable universal access.Environmental: Stewardship of the local environment is a fundamental responsibility. To support environmental education and conservation initiatives. To preserve historical accounts and artifacts to benefit future generations. Through educational instruction and materials (e.g., curriculum, brochures, signs) coupled with protection of sites, structures, objects, and events.
There are no minimums or maximum grant amounts; however, most grants range from $5,000 to $10,000.

Eligibility

Tax-exempt organizations primarily serving Central New York (defined as Onondaga County and its four surrounding counties of Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, and Oswego).

Ineligibility

The Foundation will not accept proposals from individuals or for-profit organizations. Additionally, the Foundation does not encourage proposals from religious organizations, government agencies, or proposals for endowments, contingency funding, or debt reduction.