Dr. Robert J. Vitkus Fund Grants
Dr. Robert J. Vitkus Fund Grants support organizations’ outdoor parks and recreation projects in five Central New York counties to expand recreation access, involve youth, and improve wildlife habitat and forest health.
Funder: Central New York Community Foundation
Due Dates: February 19, 2027 (Community Grants Spring Round) | August 20, 2027 (Community Grants Fall Round)
Funding Amounts: $10,000–$150,000 for capital and programmatic projects, typically covering one year
Summary: Supports outdoor parks and recreation projects in five Central New York counties, prioritizing recreation access, youth involvement, and conservation.
Key Information: Applicants must discuss requests with staff before applying; meetings cannot occur within 10 business days of the deadline.
Description
The Dr. Robert J. Vitkus Fund, administered by the Central New York Community Foundation, provides capital and programmatic grants to organizations supporting outdoor parks and recreation areas. Its geographic focus includes Onondaga, Madison, Cortland, Cayuga, and Oswego counties. Funding supports investment in outdoor spaces and programs connected to those spaces, reflecting the Foundation’s goals of positive community impact, diversity, and inclusion.
The fund favors parks and recreation areas that provide hunting and fishing access, projects offering naming opportunities, programs involving youth, and conservation efforts that improve wildlife habitat and forest health. Outdoor parks and recreation projects are included in the Community Grants Spring Round’s environmental emphasis.
