Westchester Community Foundation Grant Program

The Westchester Community Foundation Grant Program offers competitive grants to public charities and groups providing programs in Westchester County. The foundation prioritizes initiatives in human justice, human services, workforce development, youth development, arts, social justice, and technical assistance. This support aims to enhance the lives of residents through diverse projects that address civil rights, economic stability, youth empowerment, and cultural access. Funding fosters community engagement and innovative solutions to local challenges.

NOTE: You may submit a proposal anytime to our competitive grants program. We build in a long lead time to review proposals and prepare grant recommendations for three board meetings each year (March, June, November). Program staff weigh many considerations in preparing grant recommendations and cannot promise that any proposal will be considered at a particular board meeting.What WCF Funds
We are Westchester's community foundation, serving Westchester County. Our competitive grants are made possible primarily by funds set up by donor bequests and wills, supporting projects to improve the lives of Westchester residents.
Human Justice
We support programs that protect civil liberties and human rights through access to civil legal services.
Human Services
We support programs that address basic human needs, including food and shelter, and programs that help individuals and families achieve greater long-term economic stability and self-sufficiency.
Workforce Development
We support programs that provide opportunities for Westchester residents ages 16+ to train for and get good jobs. Programs must demonstrate a clear connection between the training and jobs, and include strong employer partnerships. Preference is given to programs that lead to industry-recognized certification and include job placement and post-placement services.
Youth Development
We support programs that increase opportunities for youth up to age 24 to become resilient adults. Funding is provided in two areas:
Programs that empower young people by teaching essential personal and practical skills that will serve them throughout life. Preference is given to programs that give youth a voice in the issues that affect their lives, and that offer diverse experiences, expand cultural horizons, and provide enriching opportunities for community engagement. We prioritize programs that utilize a Positive Youth Development framework.Innovative programs that create improved outcomes for youth before and after contact with the juvenile or criminal justice systems. Programs must provide critical social services supports, including mental health services. Preference is given to programs that use innovative strategies to steer youth away from school suspension and incarceration.
Arts
We support programs that broaden access to the arts for all and provide professional development opportunities for artists from diverse backgrounds. Funding support is available in these two areas only:
Post-baccalaureate education and training fellowships to promising young, economically disadvantaged artists that will help them make the transition to professional careers
Programs that bring to life the rich cultural history of Germany, including scholarships, research, and programs that promote Germanic arts, folklore, language, literature, and music.
Social Justice
We support community-based efforts that seek policy reforms that address social injustice through grassroots and community organizing. Programs must involve and be led by those most affected by the injustice, ensuring that they have a say in shaping policies that affect their lives. Current grantees are working to promote access to housing, employment and economic opportunity, and participating in the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws.
Technical Assistance
The Foundation supports the capacity of nonprofits in Westchester through convenings, workshops, and cohort programs that foster a strong and connected nonprofit sector. We do not entertain requests for technical assistance funding for a single organization.

Eligibility

Our competitive grants go to public charities or to groups sponsored by one. While our focus is on Westchester County, we support some organizations headquartered elsewhere that are providing programs in the county. For example, technical assistance programs may be headquartered in New York City or the Hudson Valley. Grantees (or fiscal agents) should have a board of directors with at least five members and no more than one paid board member.

Ineligibility

We do not make grants to individuals, endowment campaigns, capital and building campaigns, endowments, equipment, routine operating expenses, deficit financing, religious purposes, or events.