[Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation](https://berkshiretaconic.org)

April 15, 2026 (Application window opens) | September 15, 2026 (Letter of request deadline)

Grants typically range from $1,000–$3,000; up to $5,000 for exceptional cases; funds must be used within 12 months.

Supports emerging nonprofits in Columbia County, NY, addressing unmet community needs and building organizational sustainability.

--- ## Description Seed Funding for Emerging Nonprofits is an initiative of the Fund for Columbia County, administered by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation. This program aims to strengthen and expand the nonprofit sector in Columbia County, NY, by supporting new and emerging organizations that address unmet community needs. The grant is designed to help organizations in their formative years develop a clear vision, demonstrate feasibility, and build a path toward becoming sustainable, established nonprofits. Funding is intended for innovative projects that broaden services, programs, and opportunities for residents, with a strong emphasis on leadership, impact, and equity. --- ## Due Dates - April 15, 2026: Application window opens (first date to submit a letter of request) - September 15, 2026: Submission deadline for letters of request (final deadline for this cycle) --- ## Funding Amount - Typical grant size: $1,000–$3,000 - Maximum award: Up to $5,000 for requests with exceptional need and impact - Funding must be expended within 12 months of receipt --- ## Eligibility - Organizations must be located in and primarily serve Columbia County, NY. - Applicants must be in the process of forming or in their first three years of operations. - Organizations without 501(c)(3) status may apply with a fiscal sponsor. - Each organization may apply once per year, for up to three years. - The initiative does not fund individuals, for-profits, or organizations that discriminate based on age, race, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, political affiliation, or religious belief. --- ## Application Process - Submit a letter of request to [grants@berkshiretaconic.org](mailto:grants@berkshiretaconic.org) between April 15 and September 15, 2026. - The letter should include: - Mission statement and description of the community need - Amount requested and a budget overview - Initiative’s current status toward 501(c)(3) formation - Identification of fiscal sponsor, if applicable - Funding decisions are made by the Fund for Columbia County committee and reviewed by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation’s Board of Directors. --- ## Additional Information - Funding may be used for programming, equipment, outreach, marketing, consultancies, and legal fees related to obtaining nonprofit status. - Review criteria include potential, feasibility, impact, and equity (see program guidelines for details). - Funding may be requested once per year for up to three years. --- ## External Links - [Program Guidelines and Application Details](https://berkshiretaconic.org/grants/ffund-for-columbia-county-seed-funding-for-emerging-nonprofits) - [Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation](https://berkshiretaconic.org) - [Contact Page](https://berkshiretaconic.org/about/contact-us) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |----------------|----------------------------|------------------------------------------|-------------------| | Leila Kaplan | Community Engagement Officer| [lkaplan@berkshiretaconic.org](mailto:lkaplan@berkshiretaconic.org) | 413.229.0370 ext. 119 | | General Inquiries | - | [grants@berkshiretaconic.org](mailto:grants@berkshiretaconic.org) | 413.229.0370 | ---

Fund for Columbia County: Seed Funding for Emerging Nonprofits

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