Ann and Abe Effron Donor Advised Fund Grants

A percentage of the Ann and Abe Effron Donor Advised Fund’s value will be awarded in the fall as grants to local nonprofit organizations.  Applicants are encouraged to review the grant criteria and may contact the Foundation if they have questions.

FUNDING FOCUS: 
Funding priority will be given to organizations serving Dutchess County involved in arts, culture and education with special consideration being given to grants that would make facilities and events more available to young people and senior citizens.

ELIGIBILITY:  
The following organizations are eligible to apply for grants:

  1. Tax exempt organizations located in Dutchess County, New York
  2. Tax exempt organizations providing services to residents of Dutchess County, New York (the organization must be able to clearly document the number of residents in Dutchess County being served)

Please note that grants are not given to support:

  • Individuals
  • Debt reduction
  • Underwriting of special events (fundraising events)
  • Equipment, unless expressly tied to program support
  • Fundraising campaigns, such as endowment, capital or annual campaigns
  • Projects related to partisan politics or elections
  • Schools – However, grants may be made to support student/teacher community service programs targeted to assist community needs or for professional development opportunities at schools targeting disadvantaged populations
  • Religious organizations.  However grants may be made to support non-religious programs provided through these  institutions
  • Expenses that have occurred prior to the expected announcement dates of the grant awards.

AWARDS:
Grants made through this program will not exceed $3,000.  The average grant award is $1,500.

APPLICATIONS:  
Online grant application. Click here to access the Grants Portal.

DEADLINE:  
Applications must be submitted by October 15th.    Awards will be announced in December.

QUESTIONS:
Contact Cristin McPeake, VP Programs, at (845) 452-3077 or grants@communityfoundationshv.org.

REVIEW CRITERIA:
Each application will be reviewed based on the following criteria:

  • Quality of Program/Project: Does the organization adequately describe the program/project and what it wants to accomplish? Does the organization present a clear and realistic plan for implementation, complete with specific activities and a timeline?
  • Capacity and Stability of the Organization: Does the organization appear to have the capacity to carry out the proposed work? Do they have previous experience with this type of program/project or do they demonstrate previous organizational or leadership accomplishments? Does the organization appear to be functionally and financially stable?
  • Budget and Additional Support: Is the program/project budget clear and realistic? If this is an ongoing program/project, is there a reasonable plan for future funding? Is there evidence of support from other funders, or in-kind support for projects that require significant financial support?
  • Impact/ Results: How will this program/project make a difference to the target population and/or to the broader community? How significant is the program/project? Will the outcome be finite or of broad impact to the community? Will it provide a one-time benefit or a long-term impact? Is the program “change-oriented”, addressing root causes rather than immediate needs?
  • Reaction & Perceptions: Is there a sense of excitement or intrigue about this program/project? How important or timely is the issue the program/project addresses? What is the ripple effect of funding or not funding?

REVIEW PROCESS:
All applications will be rated on these criteria and reviewed by the Ann and Abe Effron Committee of the Community Foundations.  All recommendations are reviewed, approved or declined by the Board of Trustees of the Community Foundations.

Apply Online Recent Grants