Community Grants Program
The CNY Community Grants program funds innovative nonprofit projects in arts, culture, education, health, human services, and the environment to create community impact in Central New York.
Funder: Central New York Community Foundation
Due Dates: February 27, 2026 (Spring Round) | August 28, 2026 (Fall Round)
Funding Amounts: Typical grants range up to $150,000; most project budgets cover a one-year timeframe.
Summary: Supports nonprofit projects in Onondaga, Cortland, and Madison counties that create community impact in arts, culture, education, health, human services, and the environment.
Key Information: All applicants must speak with program staff prior to applying; Cortland County nonprofits are eligible starting Fall 2026.
Description
The Central New York Community Foundation’s Community Grants program funds innovative projects from nonprofit organizations serving Onondaga, Madison, and (beginning Fall 2026) Cortland counties. Grants support a wide range of initiatives in arts and culture, civic affairs, education, health, human services, and the environment. The program encourages projects that promote community impact, capacity building, and diversity—including capital projects, new or expanded programs, and organizational development.
Each grant round has specific priority focus areas to provide clarity for applicants:
- Spring Round: Arts & culture, environment (including parks), animals, civic engagement, and education.
- Fall Round: Health, human services, and economic development.
Applicants may apply in either round, but proposals aligning with the round’s focus areas receive priority consideration.
