A regional grant fund offers annual support to nonprofit organizations serving a defined multi-county area in New York State. Designed to strengthen local communities, this opportunity channels philanthropic resources through competitive and donor-directed streams. Grants are available across a range of focus areas, including health and human services, the environment, education, arts and culture, economic development, historic preservation, LGBTQIA+ advocacy, and community tourism initiatives.
Applicants must be federally recognized, tax‑exempt nonprofit organizations—or work in partnership through fiscal sponsorship—and have programs primarily benefiting residents within a specified ten-county region. The fund does not support individuals, religious activities, endowments, travel, conferences, or general fundraising events.
Funding comes in various formats. Some grants are modest mini‑awards for capacity-building efforts like leadership training or succession planning. Others are more substantial impact grants supporting community programs, often requiring a matching contribution. Most funding is awarded on an annual basis, with application cycles tied to each specific grant stream. Award amounts vary from a few hundred dollars up to fifteen thousand dollars or more, depending on the program’s focus. Some funds support multi-year projects for initiatives like tourism or youth engagement, while others provide one-time grants lasting up to one year.
Applications typically follow a two-stage process. Preliminary submissions may be requested first, with full proposals invited for select organizations. A review committee evaluates applications based on community impact, alignment with fund priorities, and feasibility. Reporting requirements include interim check-ins and final summaries, often six months after the award.
Overall, this grant opportunity is well-suited to established nonprofit groups seeking project or program funding in the greater Capital Region of New York. Its broad thematic scope and flexible award sizes make it a valuable resource for local groups aiming to drive community growth, service delivery, and organizational development.
To find more grants, The Grant Portal and use the Search Grant tool to find your next grant.