Neighborhood Revitalization Grants

Geographic Scope: Schenectady County, NY (Schenectady's neighborhoods)

Projected Investment: $270,000

Impact Statement: Schenectady's neighborhoods will thrive, becoming places where residents feel safe, supported and valued.

Purpose: Support neighborhood revitalization initiatives.

Key Information

• Part of The Schenectady Foundation's $1.3 million in total grants and scholarships for 2026
• Has invested over $35 million into communities to date
• Foundation prioritizes initiatives with clear, measurable outcomes and transformative potential
• Part of broader initiative called "Schenectady Bridges" and "Neighborhood Revitalization"

Application Timeline

• Status: To Be Announced
• Specific application deadlines have not yet been released

Contact Information

• Email: spawlusik@schenectadyfoundation.org or info@schenectadyfoundation.org
• Phone: (518) 393-9500
• Mailing Address: The Schenectady Foundation, PO Box 710, Schenectady, NY 12301
• Contact Person: Sofia Pawlusik

Office Hours for Applicant Support

• Tuesdays: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Wednesdays: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Available by email, phone, or Zoom

Grant Application Process

Two-Step Online Process (Expected):

Based on other Foundation grant programs, the process likely follows:

1. Letter of Inquiry (LOI) Submission
- Submit through Foundation's online grant portal
- Provides general overview of proposed project and associated outcomes
- Foundation responds to appropriate and complete LOIs within 10 days
- Applicants may be asked to submit additional information or meet with Foundation staff
- Approved LOIs gain access to full grant application

2. Full Grant Application
- Submit through Foundation's online grant portal
- Must meet all requirements for substance, accuracy, and completeness
- Forwarded to Foundation's Distribution Committee for consideration
- Foundation meets with each applicant in a grant conference

Key Application Guidance

• Demonstrate clear, measurable outcomes (high priority)
• Show how clients and program beneficiaries are engaged in the work
• Demonstrate that service users are listened to and have influence on design and delivery
• Foundation staff available to guide applicants on outcomes
• Review Outcomes Terms for common understanding
• Review Criteria and Eligibility before applying

Support Available

• Office hours twice weekly for applicant support
• Support series videos available
• Applicants always welcome to reach out at any time
• Contact Sofia Pawlusik for assistance and to inquire about application timeline: spawlusik@schenectadyfoundation.org or (518) 393-9500