Community Grants
This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Dutchess, Putnam, and Ulster Counties, New York, to support innovative community projects that benefit diverse and underserved populations.
The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley administers the Community Grants program, designed to support a wide range of community-based nonprofit initiatives in Dutchess, Putnam, and Ulster Counties, New York. The Foundations are known for their dedication to community advancement and collaboration, offering support that strengthens organizations serving diverse and underserved populations. The purpose of the Community Grants program is to fund effective and innovative projects across several sectors including human services, arts and culture, education and youth, health, the environment, and civic affairs. The program particularly emphasizes serving populations from historically marginalized or under-funded communities, defined by characteristics such as race, ethnicity, gender/gender identity, socioeconomic status, geographic location, age, health status, and physical or cognitive abilities. Community Grants are issued as General Operating Support (GOS) and may be used for a variety of purposes, including but not limited to: planning and implementation of programs, acquisition of technology, equipment or materials, strategic and succession planning, staff or board development, marketing and communications, capacity-building investments, and strengthening of management systems like financial or human resources tools. To be eligible, applicants must be tax-exempt nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status or have a fiscal sponsorship agreement with a qualified 501(c)(3) organization. Faith-based institutions are eligible only for non-religious community programs. Entities not eligible include individuals, political organizations, lobbying initiatives, endowments, schools (except for community-service programs), and for-profit entities. The grant amount that organizations can request ranges from $2,500 to $20,000, although the majority of awards typically fall between $2,500 and $7,500. For the 2024/2025 cycle, a total of $350,000 will be distributed across all three counties. Applications must be submitted through the Community Foundationsโ Online Grants Portal. Each county has its own application form, and organizations that serve multiple counties may submit one application per county by demonstrating distinct impact in each. Applications open on July 1 and close on August 15. Late applications will not be accepted. Proposals are reviewed by advisory boards from each county, with final approval made by the Board of Trustees. Evaluation criteria include organizational feasibility, community need and opportunity, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. For inquiries, applicants can reach out to the Foundations at grants@communityfoundationshv.org or call (845) 452-3077.
Award Range
$2,500 - $20,000
Total Program Funding
$350,000
Number of Awards
Not specified
Matching Requirement
No
Additional Details
Grants range from $2,500 to $20,000, with most awards in the $2,500โ$7,500 range. Funding supports unrestricted general operations, program planning and implementation, technology, staff/board development, strategic planning, and organizational capacity-building. Awards will not support individuals, political or religious activity, retroactive or reimbursed expenses, endowments, schools (except for certain community programs), or for-profits.
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or have a formal fiscal sponsorship agreement with such an organization. They must be based in or provide services to Dutchess, Putnam, or Ulster Counties in New York. Faith-based organizations are eligible if the program is non-religious in nature. Individuals, political organizations, lobbying groups, for-profits, and schools (with few exceptions) are ineligible.
Geographic Eligibility
Dutchess County, Putnam County, Ulster County
Application Opens
July 1, 2025
Application Closes
August 15, 2025
Grantor
Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV)
Phone
(845) 452-3077Subscribe to view contact details