Dutchess After-School Program Grant in New York

The Dutchess After-School Program Grant is a funding initiative of the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, aimed at supporting non-profit organizations operating within Dutchess County, New York. The Community Foundations serve the Mid-Hudson Valley region and strive to improve quality of life through strategic grantmaking and philanthropic partnerships. This particular grant program reflects their commitment to youth development, equitable access to educational opportunities, and community engagement. The grant provides modest two-year general operating support to organizations delivering established after-school programming. Eligible programs should include academic support in core subjects such as math, science, and reading, as well as enrichment activities like arts, sports, life skills training, and technology education. The objectives of the grant are multi-faceted, aiming to enhance academic achievement, increase accessibility to services, create safe and supportive environments, and promote community involvement. To be eligible, applicants must be nonprofit organizations with valid 501(c)(3) status or those with an established fiscal sponsorship arrangement with a 501(c)(3). Services must be offered in Dutchess County. The program does not fund individuals, political or lobbying activities, endowments, capital project reimbursements, retroactive expenses, private foundations, for-profit entities, religious organizations offering sacramental services, schools or school districts, intermediaries that do not provide direct programming, local governments, or start-up programs. A total of $100,000 is anticipated for disbursement under this program, with ten awards of $10,000 each to be paid in two annual installments of $5,000. Funding will be equitably distributed across rural and urban communities in Dutchess County. The application window opens July 1 and closes October 1. Interested applicants are urged to review guidelines thoroughly and can reach out to the Foundation via email at grants@communityfoundationshv.org or by phone at 845-452-3077 for clarification. Applications will be evaluated by a grants committee based on a range of criteria, including program feasibility, demonstrated community need, potential impact, and alignment with diversity, equity, and inclusion values. All committee recommendations are subject to review and final approval by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. While the opportunity does not recur automatically, organizations interested in sustained funding support should monitor future communications from the Foundation regarding new or returning opportunities. The application process is managed online through the Foundation's grants portal. Applicants are encouraged to emphasize both their organization’s long-term sustainability and its integration with broader community goals. Emphasis is placed on programs that are accessible to students geographically or logistically and that meet the comprehensive needs of youth participants.

Review the grant guidelines carefully; applicants may contact the Foundation with questions.