Fall Cleopatra Fund Grants

The Cleopatra Fund Grants are administered by the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, a philanthropic organization serving several counties in New York State. This foundation supports a range of charitable causes throughout the Hudson Valley region, facilitating both individual and organizational giving to improve local communities. One of its niche funding initiatives is the Cleopatra Fund, which specifically targets animal welfare programs. The Cleopatra Fund focuses on enhancing the welfare of animals within the Hudson Valley region, with grant priorities established for programs or services that benefit cats and dogs, followed by initiatives that support retired circus and farm animals. The fund supports tax-exempt organizations operating in the counties of Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester. The fund is structured to provide small grants to enable high-impact projects that directly enhance the wellbeing of animals, particularly those that may otherwise be overlooked by traditional funding sources. Grants awarded through the Cleopatra Fund range from $500 to $2,000, with a maximum cap of $3,000. The fund does not specify a matching requirement, and it appears to operate on an annual fall cycle, with applications due by October 15 and award announcements occurring in December. Applications are submitted online through the Community Foundations' Grants Portal. No pre-application phase or concept paper is required to apply. Applications are evaluated by the Grants Committee of the Community Foundations using a comprehensive review process. Review criteria include the clarity and feasibility of the proposed program, the organizational capacity and financial stability of the applicant, the realism and transparency of the proposed budget, and the expected community impact. Programs that are “change-oriented” and address root causes of animal welfare issues are given particular consideration. Reviewers also look for programs that are timely, generate excitement, or present an important or underfunded issue. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt organizations located in the Hudson Valley and delivering services related to animal welfare. The online application process requires applicants to clearly articulate their project goals, activities, timeline, and budget, and demonstrate how their initiative aligns with the Cleopatra Fund’s priorities. For additional guidance or questions, applicants may contact Cristin McPeake, Vice President of Programs, at (845) 452-3077 or [email protected]. The fund operates on a recurring cycle, with fall as its consistent annual submission window. Given that the deadline for the current cycle is October 15 and the awards are announced in December, organizations interested in future funding opportunities are encouraged to plan ahead and check back in the fall of 2026 for the next round of applications.

Emphasize program clarity, realistic budgets, organizational capacity, and long-term impact in the application narrative.