Northern New York Community Foundation General Grant

The Northern New York Community Foundation’s General Grant Program is designed to support a broad range of initiatives that contribute to improving the quality of life in Northern New York. The Foundation's approach centers on responding to evolving community needs with grants that reflect the values and priorities of the region. Areas of focus include health and wellness, arts and culture, human services, education, family support, youth and elder care, environmental and conservation projects, community development, recreation, and additional sectors that align with the Foundation's mission. Applications to this program must reflect a strong passion and vision, as well as a commitment to community impact. Proposals are evaluated on their potential benefit to the Northern New York area, the availability of funds, and the quality of planning, leadership, and community support. Prospective applicants are encouraged to discuss their ideas with Foundation staff before submitting a Letter of Inquiry (LOI). These conversations may lead to further follow-up or a site visit before applicants are invited to submit a full proposal. A Letter of Inquiry is mandatory for the General Grant Program and serves as the initial application step. It is not required for any of the Foundation’s component funds. After submitting the LOI, applicants may be contacted with questions or clarification. If the project meets the Foundation’s guidelines, the applicant will receive an invitation to submit a full proposal. Foundation staff are available to support applicants throughout this process, offering guidance to help refine project goals and ensure alignment with funding criteria. The application review process operates on a quarterly basis. For 2025, the deadlines for submitting a Letter of Inquiry and a full application are as follows: Q1 - LOI by December 27, 2024, and full application by January 24, 2025; Q2 - LOI by March 14, 2025, and full application by April 18, 2025; Q3 - LOI by June 13, 2025, and full application by July 18, 2025; Q4 - LOI by September 19, 2025, and full application by October 24, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to be mindful of these deadlines and plan accordingly to ensure full consideration. There is no published award ceiling, floor, or total funding allocation for this program. The Foundation emphasizes flexibility and responsiveness to community needs rather than rigid funding limits. Each application is considered individually based on merit and alignment with the Foundation's mission. Funding decisions are made quarterly in conjunction with the grant review cycle. For further inquiries, applicants may contact Max DelSignore, Vice President, at max@nnycf.org; Kraig Everard, Director of Philanthropy, at kraig@nnycf.org; or Emily Pfeil, Philanthropy Associate, at emily@nnycf.org. These individuals are available to discuss project ideas and provide assistance throughout the application process.

Applicants are encouraged to contact Foundation staff before submitting an LOI to discuss ideas. A site visit may be required. Strong alignment with mission and well-articulated community impact are emphasized.