[Adirondack Foundation](https://www.adirondackfoundation.org)

Rolling (applications accepted anytime)

Typical grants $250–$2,500; larger grants possible in special cases; rapid decision within 2–3 weeks

Provides rapid-response grants to Adirondack nonprofits and communities facing urgent, unexpected needs or emergencies.

For short-term, crisis-driven needs only; not for ongoing or planned expenses.

--- ## Description The Special and Urgent Needs (SUN) Fund is a responsive grantmaking program by Adirondack Foundation designed to support nonprofits, public agencies, and communities in the Adirondack region of New York during times of crisis. The fund aims to address immediate, unanticipated needs where a relatively small grant can bridge funding gaps that, if left unaddressed, would severely hinder an organization’s ability to deliver services. Typical scenarios include emergency repairs, disaster recovery, or urgent resource requirements. The SUN Fund is not intended for ongoing, planned, or deferred maintenance expenses. --- ## Due Dates - Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis; there is no fixed deadline. - Decisions are typically made within 2–3 weeks of application submission. - Funds are disbursed rapidly, often within two weeks after review. --- ## Funding Amount - Typical grant size: $250–$2,500. - Larger grants may be awarded in special circumstances. - Over $1.2 million awarded in COVID response grants since March 2020. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be organizations located in or serving the Adirondack region of New York: - All of Clinton, Essex, Franklin, and Hamilton counties. - Parts of Herkimer, St. Lawrence, Warren, and Washington counties within the Adirondack Park boundary, and the Saint Regis Mohawk Reservation. - Eligible applicants: - 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits. - Public agencies or municipalities. - Applicants must provide services without discrimination based on race, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation. - Recent recipients of SUN Fund grants (within the past year) are not eligible. - The fund does not support: - Individuals, ongoing capital expenses, endowments, capital campaigns, religious activities, or debts. - Budget deficits, funding shortfalls, strategic planning, or organizational development. - Projects/equipment failures due to deferred maintenance. - In disaster circumstances, the fund may support local businesses and families if: - Aid is provided to financially needy or distressed business owners, or - The grant combats community deterioration. - Grants cannot be earmarked for specific individuals or businesses. --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted online via the [Adirondack Community Foundation’s Grants Manager](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=generousact). - New users must create an account; existing users log in with their credentials. - Applicants can save work and return to edit before submitting. - Do not submit multiple applications for the same need. - Application review and funding decisions typically occur within 2–3 weeks. --- ## Additional Information - The SUN Fund is designed for rapid response to emergencies, not for annual or planned support. - Grant decisions focus on the urgency and impact of the need. - Donations to the fund are welcome and help sustain rapid response efforts. --- ## External Links - [Program and Application Information](https://adkcommunityfoundation.org/granting/apply-grant/special-urgent-needs) - [Adirondack Foundation Home](https://www.adirondackfoundation.org) - [Online Grants Manager Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=generousact) - [Contact Page](https://adkcommunityfoundation.org/contact-us) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |-------------------|-----------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|--------------| | Leslee Mounger | Funds and Program Officer | leslee.mounger@adkfoundation.org | 518-523-9904 | | Matt Donahue | Director of Philanthropy & Planned Giving | matt@adkcommunityfoundation.org | 518-523-9904 | For general inquiries: [info@adkfoundation.org](mailto:info@adkfoundation.org)

Special and Urgent Needs (SUN) Fund

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