Community Grantmaking (Community Grant Program)
Community Grantmaking (Community Grant Program) supports nonprofits’ programs, capital improvements, and organizational development to improve lives and build inclusion across Central New York.
Funder: Central New York Community Foundation
Due Dates: December 21, 2026 (Spring opens) | February 19, 2027 (Spring deadline) | July 12, 2027 (Fall opens) | August 20, 2027 (Fall deadline)
Funding Amounts: Typically one-year project budgets; $10,000–$150,000 for Vitkus Fund outdoor projects; large capital campaigns capped at $150,000 and 10% of campaign goals
Summary: Supports innovative nonprofit projects that improve residents’ lives and build inclusion in Onondaga, Cortland, and Madison counties.
Key Information: Applicants must discuss requests with staff before applying; meetings cannot occur within 10 business days of the deadline.
Description
Community Grants is the Central New York Community Foundation’s largest funding opportunity. It supports innovative projects in arts and culture, civic affairs, education, health, human services, and the environment. The program seeks positive community impact while honoring diversity and building inclusion within and across communities. Eligible requests include programmatic, capital, and organizational development projects that promote community impact, capacity building, and diversity.
Beginning in 2026, each grant round has priority focus areas to help applicants choose the cycle best aligned with their work. Organizations may still apply in either round, and the overall funding available remains similar to past years. The Dr. Robert J. Vitkus Fund also supports outdoor parks and recreation projects across five Central New York counties.
