Schuyler County Fund Grant

The Schuyler County Fund is administered by the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, a public charity based in Horseheads, New York. The Community Foundation’s mission is to build community and inspire philanthropy by supporting nonprofit organizations across the region. Through the Schuyler County Fund, individuals, families, and businesses have an avenue to invest directly in the residents of Schuyler County and to protect the natural environment of the area. Each proposal submitted is reviewed by a panel of community members and must be formally approved by the Foundation’s Board of Directors. Awards are made based on a project’s value to the residents of Schuyler County, the quality and vision presented, and the availability of funding. The purpose of the Schuyler County Fund is to provide grant support for projects that align with the Community Foundation’s guiding principles. These principles emphasize fostering creative, effective, and innovative programs in the areas of human services, arts and culture, education and youth, health, the environment, and civic affairs. Successful proposals will demonstrate sustainable community impact, measurable outcomes, and goals that incorporate diversity in cultures, philosophies, and experiences. The fund prioritizes programs that elevate the voices of underserved and economically diverse populations, while encouraging projects that build access and community connection. Eligibility for the Schuyler County Fund is limited to nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as well as publicly supported entities such as school districts and municipalities. Faith-based organizations are eligible only when the services they provide are non-religious in nature, available to all regardless of religion, and offered without proselytizing. Private schools may apply, but they are required to submit additional forms such as operating budgets and demographic data. Applicants must also have submitted a completed grant evaluation if they previously received funding from the Foundation. Projects must directly benefit the citizens of Schuyler County, and those with strong community partnerships are preferred. Certain activities are not eligible for funding. These include annual campaigns, fundraising events or sponsorships, religious or political activities, activities occurring before funding decisions are made, trips for schools or clubs, deficit funding or debt retirement, and grants to individuals. The Fund does not support projects that fall outside of the stated priorities and restrictions. Applications to the Schuyler County Fund are submitted through the Community Foundation’s online system, the Foundant Grant Lifecycle Manager. A link to the portal, along with required forms such as the project budget and expense form, is available on the Foundation’s website. All applications must include a complete budget, and applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with Foundation staff prior to applying. Once submitted, applicants will receive an acknowledgment of receipt by email. The timeline for the Schuyler County Fund is clearly defined. For the 2025 cycle, applications are due on April 3, 2025. Notification of funding decisions will occur in May, following review and approval by the Board of Directors. Applicants will be informed by letter whether their proposal was accepted or declined. Denials are not a judgment on the worthiness of the project but reflect the competitive nature of the process and limited resources. Applicants whose requests are not funded are encouraged to contact the Foundation’s Director of Grants and Communications for feedback. For further assistance, applicants may also contact the Vice President of Programs by phone at 607-739-3900 or by email at sep@communityfund.org:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.