Covid-19: Here's How We're Working to Support the Hudson Valley

Ann and Abe Effron Donor Advised Fund Grants

Fall Online Application available: 7/1/2020
Fall Application Deadlines: 10/15/2020
Award Notification: December
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. 
 

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, Director of 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. 

Cleopatra Fund Grants

Fall Online Application available: 7/1/2020
Fall Application Deadlines: 10/15/2020
Award Notification: December

Organizations in the Hudson Valley involved in providing programs or services that promote animal welfare. The Hudson Valley includes Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties.


ELIGIBILITY:  
The following organizations are eligible to apply for grants:
  • Tax exempt organizations in the Hudson Valley involved in providing programs or services that promote animal welfare. (The Hudson Valley includes Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties.)
 
FUNDING FOCUS: 
The focus of the Cleopatra Fund is to support organizations involved in providing programs or services that promote animal welfare.  When awarding grants, the following priorities will be followed:  Programs or services that benefit cats; programs or services that benefit dogs; programs or services that benefit retired circus animals; and programs or services that benefit retired farm animals.
 
AWARDS:
Grants made through this program will not exceed $3,000.  Awards range from $500-$2,000. 
 
APPLICATIONS:  
Online grant application. Click here to access the Grants Portal.
 
DEADLINE:  
Applications for the fall grant cycle must be submitted by October 15th. Awards announced in December.
 
QUESTIONS:
Contact Cristin McPeake, Director of 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 Grants Committee of the Community Foundations.  All recommendations are reviewed, approved or declined by the Board of Trustees of the Community Foundations.     

Dutchess Responds Fund

To move resources quickly, we have opened a simple, rolling application process. Funds may be requested for up to $10,000. Grant amounts will be determined by funding availability. Awards will be assessed based on need and may be used for both service delivery and operations essential to emergency response and viability. Funding decisions will be made with input from the County and other local funders. 
 

Dutchess Responds Fund
To move resources quickly, we have opened a simple, rolling application process. Funds may be requested for up to $10,000. Grant amounts will be determined by funding availability. Awards will be assessed based on need and may be used for both service delivery and operations essential to emergency response and viability. Funding decisions will be made with input from the county and other local funders. 

Funding priority levels:
Priority 1:  Front Line Grants fund community-based nonprofits that have increased demand for services due to COVID-19. These nonprofits have deep roots in community and a strong track-record serving people who are immediately and disproportionately suffering from this crisis.
Examples of the types of nonprofits in most need of Front Line Grant Support, as service numbers rise: community-based health clinics; food bank & food pantries; meal delivery programs; homelessness services and prevention programs.
 
Priority 2: Service-Challenged Grants fund nonprofits that are modifying their in-person service delivery modes extremely rapidly due to COVID-19, and need assistance to do so. These nonprofits likely need additional assistance to upgrade technology or sanitation protocols and obtain cleaning supplies & service personnel. Examples include: youth centers, recreation centers, child care, senior services, adult day care, community-based education programs.
 
Eligibility: 
  • Any nonprofit or group working through a nonprofit to provide services in Dutchess County is eligible to apply.
  • Schools and government agencies may be eligible to apply, if it is demonstrated that financial support is not available from other sources.
  • Churches and faith-based organizations are eligible to apply for projects assisting the wider community (i.e., not just members of their own faith or congregation), and if their outreach does not include the promotion of religious beliefs.
 
Organizations may reapply to the Fund as their needs change or increase. Grantmaking will continue until the fund is spent down.

Field Trip Grants

Fall Online Application available: 7/1/2020
Award Notification: Deadlines are 8/15, 9/15 and 12/31. Notifications from Mid-September - January
The Community Foundations, through a grant from the Dyson Foundation, is pleased to offer a Field Trip Grant program. This grant program is designed to distribute funds in amounts up to $2,000 to public schools in Dutchess and Ulster Counties to enhance classroom learning opportunities. Funding priority will be given to high needs schools/ districts. 
 

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
Any educator in a public school or school district in Dutchess County and Ulster County, New York – kindergarten to grade 12 may apply for a grant.

MAXIMUM GRANT AMOUNT:
The maximum grant award is $2,000 per field trip. There is not a limit of requests that can be made per school. However, schools will be generally be limited to no more than two field trip grants each, as the competitive application process warrants. Funding priority will be given to high needs schools/ districts. 

APPLICATION PROCESS:
Online grant application.  Go to www.communityfoundationshv.org to access grant guidelines information and application. Click here to access the Grants Portal.

*Please note that Teachers must apply for grants directly and user accounts should be tied to the individual school (not the School District). If you are collaborating with a grant writer, related faculty member, etc. on the grant application/ field trip you may wish to share your log-in information with them. All grant applications are connected to the lead teacher in the grants portal. Final reports (if grants are awarded) will be assigned to the Teacher.

Questions may be directed to Cristin McPeake at (845) 452-3077 or grants@communityfoundationshv.org

NOTIFICATION:
Grant recipients will receive an agreement for review and signature prior to disbursement of funds. Grant recipients will be required to submit a short report following the completion of their field trip.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR GRANT FUNDING:

  • Field trips must be for trips outside of the school and must be tied to educational curricula.
  • Teachers should seek funding from their school or district first. If that source is depleted or not available for a particular field trip, the teacher/school may request money from this fund.
  • Field trips should occur during the regular academic year and generally during school hours.
  • Summer programs, clubs and after-school programs are not eligible.
  • Funds may cover transportation, admissions, or to help defray the costs of students who do not have the ability to pay for their portion in cases where students/families are expected to pay all or a portion of the cost.
  • The proposed field trip should be reasonable and appropriate.
  • Field trips that serve an entire grade level will be considered.
DEADLINES:
Applications must be submitted by the following deadlines in order to receive notification for planning purposes:

Early Bird Deadline: August 15th
For trips or dates or needing a decision prior to October 15th (notifications to go out mid-September)

Fall/Winter Deadline: September 15th
This is for trips with anticipated dates between October 15th – January 30th  (notifications to go out in early October)

Winter/Spring Deadline: December 31st  
This is for trips with anticipated dates between February 1st – June 30th  (notifications to go out in late January)

Fund for Excellence in Education Teacher Grants

Spring Online Application available: 1/1/2021
Spring Application Deadlines: 3/15/2021
Award Notification: May
This grant program is open to: Classroom Teachers of Pre-K-12 in Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster Counties (Parochial, Private/Independent, and Public Schools).  Grants  are available to Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster County classroom teachers to be used for special projects to be done with their classes or for professional development which has direct benefit to the classroom. 

**Grant funding is not to be used for field trips or after-school activities.**

Fund for Excellence in Education Grant Guidelines
 
Eligibility: 
Classroom Teachers of Pre-K – 12 in Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster Counties (Parochial, Private/Independent, and Public Schools)
 
Funding Focus:
Fund for Excellence in Education Grants offer Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster County classroom teachers funding opportunities to support special classroom projects or professional development for teachers. Grants awarded will have a direct benefit to classroom learning and support achievement of educational outcomes. 

**Grant funding not to be used for field trips or after-school activities.**
 
Grants Available to Public, Parochial and Private/Independent Schools:

General Grants:  Teachers may apply for grants that fulfill one or both of these criteria:

1) Support for classroom projects and initiatives which will improve learning opportunities for students
2) Support for the personal and professional enhancement of teachers (not to fulfill Masters program or certification requirements).

Writing Grant(s):  A grant will be awarded to K-12 teachers for either professional development in the field of teaching writing or for a specific program designed to enhance the writing abilities of students.

Grants Available to Public Schools Only:

Marionette/Puppet Grant(s):  A grant will be awarded to a public school teacher for projects which incorporate student and/or teacher-made marionettes and puppets in the curricula.  Preference will be given to multi-cultural or multi-disciplinary projects.
 
Dutchess County - Dennis Markle Memorial Community​ Service Grant(s):  Community Service Grants will be awarded to Dutchess County public school teachers for projects involving their students in community service.  These community service awards are made from the Dennis Markle Memorial Community Fund which was started by the Dutchess County United Teacher's Council.  Examples of the type of projects which would be considered for these grants are:  projects involving senior citizens, hospice, day care, disadvantaged populations, community beautification projects, etc.  

Awards:
Grants made through this program will not exceed $2,500.  Average awards range from $1,000-$1,500.
 
Applications: 
Online grant application. Click here to access the Grants Portal.

Deadlines: 
Applications must be submitted by March 15th. Awards are announced in May. 

Deadlines:

Contact Cristin McPeake, Director of Programs at (845) 452-3077 or grants@communityfoundationshv.org.

 
Review Process:
All applications will be reviewed by the Fund for Excellence in Education Committee of the Community Foundations. All recommendations are reviewed, approved or declined by the Board of Trustees of the Community Foundations.                                
                                  

Hudson Valley Farm Fresh Food Grant Program

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, through a grant from the NoVo Foundation is pleased to offer the Hudson Valley Farm Fresh Food grant program for 2018, 2019 and 2020. This grant program is designed to distribute funds in amounts up to $25,000 per year to nonprofit organizations in Dutchess, Orange, Putnam and Ulster counties who work to increase access to local, farm fresh food for individuals who are considered food insecure. 

Funding for 2018, 2019 and 2020 has been allocated for this program. Applications are now closed. Future funding opportunities will be posted here when available.

Eligibility: 
Nonprofit organizations serving residents of Dutchess, Orange, Putnam and Ulster counties who are considered food insecure and organizations addressing the issue of food insecurity are eligible for funding support through this program. Organizations involved in growing, collecting, distributing and serving farm fresh food and meals to those in need; including Community Supported Agriculture (CSA’s), agricultural and nutritional educational organizations, food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and other nonprofit organizations that serve, or plan to serve farm fresh food to the food insecure are encouraged to submit a letter of inquiry. The Community Foundations’ goal is to support programs that have proven to be effective and to encourage and support collaboration and innovative solutions. New programs may be considered if the organization demonstrates the capacity to effectively carry out the project and have a plan for sustainability. Organizations that are not located in the service area must clearly document the number of residents in Dutchess, Orange, Putnam and Ulster counties being served.
 
Applicants are encouraged to review the grant guidelines carefully and may contact the Community Foundations if they have questions. 
 
Funding Focus:
The Foundation will focus its grant making on applications that effectively increase access to local, farm fresh food to the food insecure, including but not limited to:
  • Support of programs and services that provide effective, creative solutions to increase access to local, farm fresh food, address the issue of food insecurity, leverage existing resources and expand existing services- whether delivered independently or collaboratively
  • Support of programs and services that provide educational services and resources related to nutrition and health
  • Equipment to increase capacity to grow, collect, distribute and serve local, farm fresh food and meals to those in need
  • Support for evaluation of health and related indicators to assess outcome data related to the effectiveness of the farm fresh food program
  • Support of programs that thoughtfully integrate equity and social justice components to the farm fresh food program
Funding Available:
Funding for 2018, 2019 and 2020 has been allocated for this program. Applications are now closed. Future funding opportunities will be posted here when available.
 
Awards:        
Grants made through this program will not exceed $25,000 per year for individual organizations. There may be opportunities for collaborating organizations with broad impact to exceed $25,000 in funding. Multi-year funding requests will be considered with appropriate documentation in the application for additional years. Additional training grants and training opportunities may be provided to grantee organizations for use in staff, board or overall program development separate from this grant.
 
Application: 
Letters of Inquiry are required and are available via the Grants Portal. Click here to access.
 
Deadline:
TBD
 
Questions:
Contact Cristin McPeake, Director of 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 proposed project have a clear charitable purpose? Does the program/project meet the criteria of the Farm Fresh Food grant guidelines? 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? Is there appropriate expertise and partnerships? Does the organization appear to be functionally and financially stable, based on review of the organization’s operating budget and financial statements?
  • 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?
  • Evaluation Plan
Are the goals well-defined? Does the organization have a viable evaluation plan? What is the likelihood that the plan will successfully measure the outcomes?
  • 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 Grants Committee of the Community Foundations. All recommendations are reviewed and approved or declined by the Board of Trustees of the Community Foundations.    
 

Hudson Valley Hard-to-Count Census Mini-Grants

The Mid-Hudson Valley Census 2020 Fund seeks to ensure that every adult and child is counted regardless of age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, economic status, immigration status or religion for the 2020 Census.

The Mid-Hudson Valley Census 2020 Fund seeks to ensure that every adult and child is counted regardless of age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, economic status, immigration status or religion for the 2020 Census.
 

The Census will only be successful by working with trusted local organizations and voices to share the importance of the upcoming census for every community in the Mid-Hudson Valley. Through grantmaking we support community-based education, outreach and assistance efforts for hard-to-count (HTC) communities across the Hudson Valley. Grants of up to $500 must be for get-out-the-count projects aimed at increasing census participation of residents in hard-to-count areas or constituencies that have been consistently under counted. This funding is to help amplify positive census messaging in your own community in creative, localized ways. Eligible activities may include but are not limited to buying food for a census-themed event, covering childcare or facility costs and/or materials for census outreach. Get creative and contact us with any questions!

Funding made possible by Church Communities Foundation, Community Foundation of Orange & Sullivan, Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, The Dyson Foundation, Foundation for Community Health, Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress, The William & Elaine Kaplan Family Foundation, NoVo Foundation, Rowley Family Foundation, United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region, and Walden Savings Bank.

FUNDING GUIDELINES:

  • Applications will be accepted from January through April.                        
  • unding can be requested for up to $500.
  • Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and you can expect to hear back within two weeks of submission.
  • Individuals are not eligible to apply and grants cannot be used for partisan efforts.
ELIGIBILITY:  
Emerging and established organizations at all stages of work are encouraged to apply for funding.
 
Organizations must be:
  • Based in or working with communities deemed at risk of an undercount (see https://www.censushardtocountmaps2020.us/# for a map of HTC census tracts)
  • Geographically located in Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Sullivan and/or Ulster Counties
  • A trusted messenger with the population/community targeted for census work
  • A legally incorporated entity with 501(c)(3) status or a project sponsored by a government agency with a clear charitable purpose
  • Social welfare and civic organization
  • Faith-based organization
  • Fiscally sponsored organization or program
Individuals are not eligible to apply.
Grants cannot be used for partisan efforts.

EVALUATION CRITERIA:
Grant proposals will be evaluated using the following criteria:
  • A proven track record of serving or representing those who are most at risk of being undercounted in the 2020 Census
  • A clear understanding of the challenges, including institutional and structural issues, the community faces in obtaining an accurate Census count
  • An organized constituency base and concrete goals/strategies to get-out-the-count in their community
  • Clarity of project plan description and assessment of outreach activities
  • Clarity of responses to application questions
Please note that during the review period, applicants may be contacted to provide or discuss additional information. Final grant amounts may differ from the amount requested.
 
FUNDING AVAILABLE:
It is anticipated that $20,000 will be available to grant throughout the region
 
AWARDS:
Grants made through this program will not exceed $500
 
APPLICATION:  
Online application form. Click here to access the Grants Portal
Paper applications are available upon request
 
DEADLINE:  
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and you can expect to hear back within two weeks of submission.

QUESTIONS:
(845) 452-3077 or grants@communityfoundationshv.org

Irving and Gloria Schlossberg Family Fund Grants

Award Notification: Applications accepted, reviewed, and awarded on a rolling basis.
To: Tax exempt organizations serving Dutchess County, New York Primarily established to preserve and strengthen Jewish culture and Jewish institutions in Dutchess County. Grants will be given for programs and organizations that promote this goal. Please review the grants criteria for specific guidelines.

A percentage of the Irving and Gloria Schlossberg Family Fund’s value will be awarded as grants to local nonprofit organizations.  Applicants are encouraged to review the grant criteria and may contact the Foundations if they have questions.  
 
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 demonstrate a significant impact on residents of Dutchess County).
 
FUNDING FOCUS: 
The Irving and Gloria Schlossberg Family Fund was primarily established to preserve and strengthen Jewish culture and Jewish institutions in Dutchess County. Grants will be given for programs and organizations that promote this goal.
 
Requests will be accepted for programs that educate the community about Jewish heritage, history, customs and culture through lectures, music, arts, literature, theater, etc.  Applications that involve two or more Jewish/non Jewish organizations in collaboration are encouraged in order to reach out to the broadest-based secular community.
 
In awarding a grant to a synagogue or temple, priority will be given to programs that would appeal to the entire community or the Jewish community regardless of temple or synagogue affiliation. Funds granted to local chapters of national or international organizations must be used locally. Non-Jewish organizations (e.g. Poughkeepsie Public Library District, Dutchess County Historical Society or any educational institutions in Dutchess County) would be considered eligible recipients of grants.
 
Specific areas of interest include:
  • Jewish culture, heritage, etc. as outlined above
  • The Holocaust/genocide education
  • Israeli culture and history
 
Approximately $10,000 to $15,000 will be available annually.  It is anticipated that multiple grants will be awarded.
 
APPLICATIONS:  
Online grant application. Click here to access the Grants Portal.
 
DEADLINE:  
Applications will be accepted, reviewed and awarded on a rolling basis.  
 
QUESTIONS:
 Contact Cristin McPeake, Director of Programs, at (845) 452-3077 or grants@communityfoundationshv.org.
 
REVIEW CRITERIA:
 Each application will by reviewed 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 Irving and Gloria Schlossberg Family Fund Committee of the Community Foundations.  All recommendations are reviewed, approved or declined by the Board of Trustees of the Community Foundations.

John T. Sloper Community Fund Grants

Spring Online Application available: 12/1/2021
Spring Application Deadlines: 3/15/2021
Fall Online Application available: 7/1/2020
Fall Application Deadlines: 10/15/2020
Award Notification: December for Fall cycle; June for Spring cycle

Grants in Southern Dutchess and Putnam counties for equipment and support of programs that enhance the delivery of emergency medical services to residents of those communities. A limited number of grants to other organizations serving the rest of Dutchess County may be considered.

The John T. Sloper Community Fund was established at the Community Foundation and endowed with the proceeds from the sale of Sloper-Willen Community Ambulance Service.  Founded in 1958 by John T. Sloper, the company motto was:  “That lives may be saved.”  This fund was established to honor the legacy of John T. Sloper and the Sloper-Willen Community Ambulance Service, to promote and encourage people and organizations to provide emergency medical services, and to save lives.
 
The John T. Sloper Community Fund is requesting applications to promote programs in Southern Dutchess and Putnam counties, areas previously served by the Sloper-Willen Community Ambulance Service, by providing training and emergency medical equipment to enhance the delivery of emergency medical services to residents of those communities to improve accessibility to emergency heath services in order to save lives.
 
Through additional resources available from the Cardiovascular Fund, a very limited number of requests from all of Dutchess County may be considered for the same purposes outlined above.
 
Acceptable grant proposals include:
  • Automatic External Defibrillator Devices (AED), including materials and training;
  • Support for organizations to become First Responders in areas where none exist; 
  • Equipment to enhance delivery of emergency medical services
 
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: 
  1. Tax exempt organizations located in and/or serving communities formerly served by Sloper-Willen Community Ambulance Service (Southern Dutchess County, New York and Putnam County, New York) (John T. Sloper Community Fund).
  2. Tax exempt organizations located in and/or serving communities in the Dutchess County, New York (Cardiovascular Fund).
  3. Police departments, fire companies and volunteer ambulance services.
  4. Preference will be given to organizations who had not received funding in the previous six-month grant cycle.
 
INELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:
  1. Organizations requesting funding for programs that are 100% funded through the State and/or other funding sources.
  2. Organizations requesting funding for basic EMT training.
  3. Organizations requesting funding for advanced EMT and paramedic training for individuals currently working in those professions.
  4. Organizations applying for funding for recertification programs.
 
FUNDING AVAILABLE:
Approximately $50,000 is available annually.  Depending on availability of funds, two grant cycles will be offered annually.
 
SIZE OF GRANTS:
It is anticipated that up to $2,500 per grant will be provided for AEDs, training and support materials.
 
APPLICATION:
Online grant application. Click here to access the Grants Portal.
 
GRANT APPLICATION DEADLINES:
Applications for the fall grant cycle must be submitted by October 15th. Awards announced in December.  
 
Applications for the spring grant cycle must be submitted by March 15th. Awards announced in June.
 
QUESTIONS:
Contact Cristin McPeake, Director of Programs, at (845) 452-3077 or grants@communityfoundationshv.org.

Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation Grants

Spring Application Deadlines: 6/30/2020
Fall Application Deadlines: 1/31/2020
Award Notification: Awards notified in Late Winter and in Late Summer annually
To: Nonprofit, tax Exempt Organizations Serving Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Westchester, and Ulster Counties This grant program provides funding for projects in the areas of breast health and breast cancer education, outreach, screening, treatment and support projects in the counties of Columbia, Dutchess, Green, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Westchester, and Ulster.
 

The Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation is a not for profit organization established in 2004. The Fund provides programs and support services for women and families in the Hudson Valley, New York, affected by breast cancer. All funds raised for the Foundation are used in the Hudson Valley.

The Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation is currently offering grants for projects in the areas
of breast health and breast cancer education, outreach, screening, treatment and support projects in
the counties of Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Westchester and Ulster.
 
Projects Will Be Funded in The Following Areas:
  • Breast cancer education
  • Educational outreach to special populations
  • Support programs (including complementary medicine programs)
  • Financial aid for social support and ancillary services
Restrictions:
  • Project must be specific to breast health and/or breast cancer.
  • Applicants must be a US nonprofit (federally tax-exempt) organization. Nonprofit organizations, known educational institutions (i.e. college or university), government agencies, and Indian tribes are eligible.
  • Services must be provided in the eight counties served by the Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation.
  • Equipment costs, if applicable, may not exceed 30% of direct costs and should be used exclusively on this project.
  • Salaries, if requested, are for personnel related to this project only and not the general work of the employee.
  • Funds will not be awarded to capital campaigns.
  • Funding will not be awarded to support programs that have received 3 previous grants for the same program. 
     
Application Instructions:
Online application is available through www.milesofhope.org or click here to access the Community Foundations Grants Portal.
 
Grant application deadlines: January 31st and June 30th 
 
Contact information for submission and inquiries:
Pari Forood, Executive Director, Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation
Phone: 845-264-2005
Email: pari@milesofhope.org

Nuvance Health Taconic IPA Science Education Grants

Spring Online Application available: 1/1/2021
Spring Application Deadlines: 3/15/2021
Award Notification: May
To: Public, Private, and Parochial Secondary (Grades 7-12) Science Teachers in Dutchess, Orange, and Ulster Counties.  The purpose of these grants is to expand students' learning opportunities in the sciences through the acquisition of classroom and laboratory science equipment. This equipment could include microscopes, temperature probes, light probes, computer-related equipment and software, and other laboratory tools.
 

ELIGIBILITY – All public, private, and parochial secondary teachers (Grades 7-12) in all New York State licensed and certified schools in Dutchess, Orange, and Ulster Counties.
 
APPLICATION PROCEDURES – Online grant application. Click here to access the Grants Portal.
 
Applications available online January 1st
Applications must be submitted by March 15th 
 
EVALUATION AND SELECTION PROCESS – All applications will be reviewed by the Taconic IPA Committee of the Community Foundations.  

Funding priority will be given to requests that are well-written, for equipment that is durable and will serve a large number of students.  Requests that include information relative to how the lessons using the equipment will positively impact students, spur their interest in science related careers and provide a strong educational foundation for college level curriculum will receive special consideration. Requests that note equipment sharing across schools within the same district are also encouraged. 
 
AWARD AMOUNTS – Grants will be awarded in amounts ranging from $500 - $1,000.
 
COOPERATIVE VENTURES – Applications/requests in excess of the $1,000 limit will be considered for cooperative ventures across different fields/disciplines that affect a large number of students.
 
NOTIFICATION - Applicants will be notified in May. 

FINAL REPORT – An online report accounting for expenditure of grant funds must be submitted to the Community Foundations no later than June 30th of the year following the award.  This report should also include information on how the equipment purchased enhanced learning opportunities in the classroom laboratory.  Unused funds must be returned to the Foundation.
 
OWNERSHIP OF EQUIPMENT – Equipment purchased with grant funds is deemed to be the property of the school.
 
 
EXAMPLES OF PAST PROJECTS FUNDED:
Without suggesting the kinds of activities to be funded, the following are examples of projects funded in recent years:
 
Arlington High School, $992.87
 
Exploring the Problems of the Heart:
Lab activities on blood pressure and pulse rate will be expanded to enhance students understanding of how the heart works. Students will use models to master workings of the heart and then move on to real hearts that they will dissect to reveal the anatomy of the heart and learn how to perform medical procedures such as by-pass surgery. Students will work with local cardiac surgeons. Students will also learn how to conduct to conduct EKGs on themselves. Working with the models and the EKG probes will enable the students to have a more direct experience with the heart to better understand their own bodies and to better ascertain if the medical field is one that they wish to pursue.
 
Middletown High School, $1,020.50
 
Urban Turbine: Wind Power:
The purchase of the Rutland 503 Windcharger, a basic wind-powered electrical generator, will provide students will a hands-on introduction to a renewable energy source. A student research project will be conducted that collects weather and wind generator power output to use in a feasibility study for a larger wind power installation at the school. It will demonstrate the capability of wind generation to power a small pump/ filtration system that will filter water at a small pond on the high school campus. With the conclusion of this project, it is hoped that students will be encouraged to plan their "energy future."
 
Poughkeepsie Middle School, $2,350.00
 
Basic Laboratory Glassware: 
Grant will be used to purchase standard laboratory glassware used during student laboratory activities and projects. Items include test tubes, funnels, beakers, Petri dishes and microscope slides/coverslips, to name a few. This equipment is essential to provide hands-on, inquiry based lab activities mandated by best practices in science education and the NYSED. Twelve hundred middle school students will benefit from the use of this equipment.
 
Additional winning grant descriptions can be found here.
 
                                              

Pivoting to Respond Grant Program

Fall Online Application available: 7/15/2020
Fall Application Deadlines: 8/31/2020
The Community Foundations’ Pivoting to Respond Grant Program is a one-time opportunity to provide nonprofits and communities disproportionately impacted by Covid-19 and its economic consequences with unrestricted General Operating Support (GOS) funding to achieve their missions.

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley recognizes the impact Covid-19 has had on our community and the nonprofit sector and is pivoting our Community Grants program to support recovery efforts.

The Pivoting to Respond Grant Program replaces our Community Grant programs for Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster Counties for the 2020/2021 cycle.

The Community Foundations’ Pivoting to Respond Grant Program is a one-time opportunity to provide nonprofits and communities disproportionately impacted by Covid-19 and its economic consequences with unrestricted General Operating Support (GOS) funding to achieve their missions. GOS grants are flexible and allow funds to support an organization’s ongoing administrative and infrastructure costs and to maintain existing, effective programs. While our longstanding Community Grant program focused on capacity building, training, development and program support, this grant cycle will focus on mission, impact, planning and recovery. Funding will support a broad variety of organizations and programming. Funding will have a focus on benefiting people who are from historically marginalized, under-served and under-resourced communities or populations based on their race, ethnicity, age, gender/gender identity, socioeconomic status, health status, abilities or geographic location.
 
Eligibility: 

  1. Tax exempt organizations located in or providing services to Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster Counties, New York.
  2. Have been operating as a nonprofit organization for at least one year with 501(c)(3) status or an established fiscal sponsorship arrangement with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
  3. Are actively engaged in planning for the future.
  4. Can demonstrate financial resiliency.

Funding priority will be given to organizations serving communities of color, low-income, rural/geographically isolated, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities, refugees, immigrants, or other historically marginalized, under-served and under-resourced communities or populations.
 
Please note that grants are not given to support:

  • Political or partisan purposes
  • Annual fund or campaign appeals
  • Loan reimbursements for capital projects already underway or completed
  • Endowments
  • Private operating foundations
  • ​For-profit organizations
  • ​Religious organizations* Please note grants may be made to support non-religious, community focused programs provided through religious/faith based organizations
  • ​Schools* Please note grants may be made to support student/teacher community service programs targeted to assist community needs

Funding available:
It is anticipated that a minimum of $100,000 will be available to grant.
 
We recognize community needs will far surpass our available resources. Please understand that we will not be able to grant many of the requests we receive.
 
Awards:     
Grants made through this program will not exceed $10,000 per organization.

Online application: 
Click here to apply through our Grants Portal.

If you wish to review the application before applying online, you can preview the questions by clicking here.

Deadline: 
The Community Foundations will be accepting applications from July 15 through August 31

Review Criteria:
While this list is not exhaustive, the Foundations considers applications with the following criteria in mind:
  • Organization Feasibility: Clearly demonstrates an ability to accomplish a proposed recovery plan, is viable in the long-term and secures other sources of financial and in-kind support
  • Community Need/Opportunity: Fosters trust and collaborative civic participation in addressing a vital community need and collectively improves community conditions
  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Develops and maintains community connections for the underserved and economically diverse; Incorporates diverse cultures, philosophies and experiences across their organization/programming

Review Process:
All applications will be rated on these criteria and reviewed by the Advisory Boards of the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley. Our Advisory Boards are comprised of community members representing Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster Counties. All recommendations made by the Advisory Boards are then reviewed, approved or declined by the Board of Trustees of the Community Foundations.
 
Questions:
Contact Program Staff at grants@communityfoundationshv.org or Cristin McPeake, Vice President of Programs at cmcpeake@communityfoundationshv.org or 845-452-3077 ext. 1014.

Putnam Covid-19 Response Fund

To move resources quickly, we have opened a simple, rolling application process. Funds may be requested for up to $5,000. Grant amounts will be determined by funding availability. Awards will be assessed based on need and may be used for both service delivery and operations essential to emergency response and viability. 

Putnam Covid-19 Response Fund Grant Application

To move resources quickly, we have opened a simple, rolling application process. Funds may be requested for up to $5,000. Grant amounts will be determined by funding availability. Awards will be assessed based on need and may be used for both service delivery and operations essential to emergency response and viability. 

Funding priority levels:
Priority 1:  Front Line Grants fund community-based nonprofits that have increased demand for services due to COVID-19. These nonprofits have deep roots in community and a strong track-record serving people who are immediately and disproportionately suffering from this crisis.
Examples of the types of nonprofits in most need of Front Line Grant Support, as service numbers rise: community-based health clinics; food bank & food pantries; meal delivery programs; homelessness services and prevention programs.
 
Priority 2: Service-Challenged Grants fund nonprofits that are modifying their in-person service delivery modes extremely rapidly due to COVID-19, and need assistance to do so. These nonprofits likely need additional assistance to upgrade technology or sanitation protocols and obtain cleaning supplies & service personnel.
Examples include: youth centers, recreation centers, child care, senior services, adult day care, community-based education programs.
 
Eligibility: 
 

  • Any nonprofit or group working through a nonprofit to provide services in Putnam County is eligible to apply.
  • Schools and government agencies may be eligible to apply, if it is demonstrated that financial support is not available from other sources.
  • Churches and faith-based organizations are eligible to apply for projects assisting the wider community (i.e., not just members of their own faith or congregation), and if their outreach does not include the promotion of religious beliefs.

 
Organizations may reapply to the Fund as their needs change or increase. Grantmaking will continue until the fund is spent down.

The Claudia Ann Seaman Awards For Young Writers & The CAS Hudson Valley Poetry Award

Spring Online Application available: 1/1/2021
Spring Application Deadlines: 5/31/2021
Award Notification: January
The Claudia Ann Seaman (CAS) Awards for Young Writers were created by the Seaman family in memory of their daughter and sister, a young poet. The CAS Awards acknowledge excellence in teen writing nationally in poetry, fiction, and literary nonfiction.
 

The CAS Awards for Young Writers are Open to: All students in grades 9 – 12
 
Submission:  Each participant may submit a total of three poems, essays, or stories (1500 word limit for fiction and creative nonfiction), or any combination of the three.
 
Deadline:  Entries must be received by May 31st
 

Cash Awards: 

$200 award for each genre

$200 for the H.V. Poetry award

 
Guidelines:  For submissions guidelines, go to www.polyphonylit.org/submission-guidelines for important instructions.


Polyphony H.S. is an international student-run literary magazine for high school writers and editors, based in Chicago, Illinois. For more information about Polyphony H.S. visit www.polyphonyhs.com.
 
How to Submit:  
 
Submit your work directly to Polyphony H.S. at www.polyphonylit.org/submit.  
 
Each entry must contain the following information:
• Student name, address, phone number, email address, year of HS graduation (Class of _______);
• School name, address, phone number;
• Name and email address of student’s English or writing teacher
 
 
After you have reviewed the submission guidelines on the Polyphony H.S. web site and you still have questions you may contact: Donna Seaman at dseaman7@aol.com.
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