Fall Jeanette F. Schlobach Grant Program

The Jeannette F. Schlobach Grant Program, administered by the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, supports nonprofit organizations serving economically vulnerable residents of Dutchess County, New York. This grant opportunity focuses on helping individuals and families facing poverty, providing critical funding to improve economic stability, health access, educational opportunities, and even the well-being of family pets. The program encourages applications from organizations addressing these intersecting needs through both direct services and systemic solutions. The program’s objectives are to support efforts that provide comprehensive case management, homelessness prevention, affordable housing support, job readiness training, access to public benefits, and educational and health services for all age groups. It also supports programs that ensure access to low-cost pet services for families. The overarching goal is to promote long-term improvements in the lives of under-resourced communities. This includes encouraging innovation and rewarding organizations with proven effectiveness and rising demand for their services. Funding is awarded in the form of general operating support. This flexible funding can be used for existing or expanding programs that are already demonstrating impact, for capital or equipment investments that improve organizational capacity, or for launching pilot initiatives if they are feasible and sustainable. Applications that show strong alignment with the Foundation’s strategic priorities—such as leveraging other funding sources or partnerships—are given priority. However, applicants are reminded that this is not intended as annual recurring funding; each application should stand on its own merit in terms of impact and sustainability. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or those with a qualifying fiscal sponsorship. Applicants must either be based in or provide services to Dutchess County residents. The Foundation accepts applications from faith-based organizations only if the proposed programs are non-sectarian in nature. The grant program excludes funding for individuals, partisan or political activities, lobbying, retroactive costs, debt for previously initiated capital projects, endowments, private foundations, and for-profit entities. Schools are also ineligible unless the grant supports community service projects that serve broader community needs. The application cycle opens annually in the fall, with applications accepted from January 1 through February 15. All applications must be submitted through the Community Foundations’ online portal. The review process is overseen by the Dutchess Advisory Board, composed of local community members who assess applications based on criteria such as organizational feasibility, demonstrated impact, community engagement, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Final award decisions are made by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. In 2025, the Foundation anticipates making available approximately $150,000 through this program, with individual grants not to exceed $20,000. Multiple awards will be made. While funding is limited, the Foundation seeks to support organizations poised for meaningful, scalable, and sustainable impact. For inquiries, applicants may contact the Foundation at [email protected] or reach out directly to Cristin McPeake, Vice President of Programs, at (845) 452-3077 or [email protected].

Demonstrate sustainable impact and program improvement; clarify how one-time funding will yield long-term outcomes.