Traditional APG Program

The Agency Partner Grant (APG) Program is a competitive funding initiative administered by Dutchess County, New York, specifically designed to support nonprofit organizations with a 501(c)(3) designation that provide services to Dutchess County residents. The program operates under the Dutchess County Department of Planning & Development and focuses on funding programs that address unmet community needs, as identified through input from the Dutchess County Coalition of Nonprofits and other community stakeholders. The initiative reflects the county’s broader commitment to improving residents’ social, economic, and health outcomes and aligns, when appropriate, with the county’s Path to Promise framework. The APG Program operates on a biennial cycle, with funding awarded to organizations that can demonstrate their capacity to fulfill community needs through measurable and evidence-based program outcomes. Awards are made on a reimbursement basis, with no advances available. While there is no explicit maximum funding cap, the minimum request is $10,000, and the average grant award is approximately $45,000. Awarded organizations enter into a one-year contract for the program year, which spans January 1 to December 31, 2026. A one-year extension may be offered for 2027, contingent on annual program review and county budget approval. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations with valid 501(c)(3) status providing services within Dutchess County. Fiscal sponsorship arrangements are not allowed, and applicants must apply directly. In addition, collaboration among multiple organizations is not supported if the grant funds are intended to be passed through to other entities. The program does not fund planning-only initiatives and instead prioritizes projects ready to address immediate needs. Program areas eligible for funding include anti-bullying, youth services, substance use prevention, literacy, nutrition, parent support, homelessness, senior transportation, and workforce development, among others. Applicants must select a primary need area addressed and may also reference secondary needs. The application for the 2026 APG Program is currently open and must be submitted through the Dutchess County Grant Portal by 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. A pre-application workshop is scheduled for September 9, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., and questions must be submitted via email to communitygrants@dutchessny.gov by 5:00 p.m. on September 12, 2025. Responses to questions will be posted on September 19, 2025, as an addendum to the application instructions. The grant portal requires account creation by an authorized executive such as a CEO or Executive Director. Only Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) or MOU letters of intent should be included; support letters are not accepted. Applicants may submit either a Renewal or New Activity application. Renewal applications are appropriate for currently funded programs with minimal changes in outcomes or funding, while New Activity applications should be used for new proposals or significantly altered existing programs. Required documentation includes outcome reports, budget narratives, organizational budgets, board rosters, IRS 990 forms, and annual reports (if applicable). Organizations implementing programs to prevent or address homelessness must participate in the Dutchess County Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). Applications will be evaluated by the Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC), which will provide funding recommendations to the County Executive. Review criteria include program quality, alignment with community needs, cost efficiency, prior performance, and clarity in budgeting. Award announcements are expected in December 2025, and the program year begins on January 1, 2026.

Provide SMART outcomes; use primary need category; do not submit support letters; MOU only; allocate full budget; only authorized executives may submit