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: 7/1/2021
Fall Application Deadlines: 10/15/2021
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. 

To help you work on your grant application, we have created a Word version of the questions. You can use this document to formulate the answers, along with spell check, character count, etc. However, you must still use the online grants portal to submit your application and provide attachments. Click here for the grant working copy: Ann and Abe Effron Donor Advised Grants 2021 - Working Copy.

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: 7/1/2021
Fall Application Deadlines: 10/15/2021
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.
To help you work on your grant application, we have created a Word version of the questions. You can use this document to formulate the answers, along with spell check, character count, etc. However, you must still use the online grants portal to submit your application and provide attachments. Click here for the grant working copy: Cleopatra Fund Grant Application 2021 - Working Copy.


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.     

Community Grants

Fall Online Application available: 7/1/2021
Fall Application Deadlines: 8/15/2021
Award Notification: Letter of Inquiry (LOIs) must be submitted by August 15th. Full applications by October 1st. Awards in December.
The Community Foundations Community Grant Program is an annual opportunity to provide nonprofits in Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster Counties with unrestricted General Operating Support (GOS) or Program Support 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. Program grants support direct costs for programming or support organizational development and capacity building.

To help you work on your grant application, we have created a Word version of the questions. You can use this document to formulate the answers, along with spell check, character count, etc. However, you must still use the online grants portal to submit your application and provide attachments. Click here for the grant working copy: Community Grant and Jeannette F. Schlobach Letter of Inquiry 2021 - Working Copy.

Applicants are encouraged to review the grants guidelines carefully and may contact the Community Foundations if they have questions. 

Funding Focus:
Funding will support a broad variety of organizations and programming, including; effective and innovative programs in the areas of human services, arts and culture, education and youth, health, the environment and civic affairs. Funding will have a focus on benefiting people who are from historically marginalized and under-funded communities or populations based on their race, ethnicity, age, gender/gender identity, socioeconomic status, health status, abilities or geographic location.
 
  • General Operating Support grants will provide unrestricted support to the organization
  • Program grants may include specific support for:
    • planning and/or the direct implementation of the program
    • technology, equipment or material costs
    • strategic planning, staff/board development and/or succession planning
    • management systems (financial, HR)
    • marketing and communications
    • investments to increase organizational capacity
Eligibility: 
  1. Tax exempt organizations (including faith based organizations) located in or providing services to residents of Dutchess, Putnam or 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.
Please note that grants (including GOS) are not given to support:
  • Individuals
  • Political or partisan purposes
  • Lobbying activities
  • Loan reimbursements for capital projects already underway or completed
  • Retroactive expenses that were incurred prior to the grant award
  • Endowments
  • Religious organizations for sacramental or theological purposes, however, grants may be made to support non-religious community programs provided through these institutions
  • Schools, however, grants may be made to support student/teacher community service programs targeted to assist broader community needs
  • Private foundations
  • For-profit organizations 
Funding Available:
It is anticipated that a total of $100,000 will be available to grant. One application cycle will be offered annually in the fall.
 
We recognize the needs far surpass our available resources. An unsuccessful application does not reflect a judgement about the worthiness of an organization or project. 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 $5,000.

Application: 
Organizations applying for funding are required to use the Community Foundations’ Online Grants Portal. Click here to access the Grants Portal.

Deadline: 
The Community Foundations will be accepting LOIs (Letters of Intent/Inquiry) applications from July 1st through August 15th. If your organization is invited to apply with a full application it must be submitted by October 1st. LOIs and full applications will not be accepted after the deadlines.

Questions:
Contact grants@communityfoundationshv.org or Cristin McPeake, Vice President, Programs at (845) 452-3077 or cmcpeake@communityfoundationshv.org
 
Review Criteria:
While this list is not exhaustive, the Foundations considers applications with the following criteria in mind:

  • Organization/Program Feasibility: Clearly demonstrates an ability to accomplish their mission, 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 & economically diverse; Incorporates diverse cultures, philosophies & experiences across their organization/programming

 
Review Process:
All applications will be rated on these criteria and reviewed by the Dutchess, Putnam or Ulster Advisory Boards of the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley.  The Advisory Boards are comprised of community members representing each County.  All recommendations made by the Advisory Boards are then reviewed, approved or declined by the Board of Trustees of the Community Foundations.
the Board of Trustees of the Community Foundations.

Field Trip Grants

Fall Online Application available: 7/1/2021
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. 

To help you work on your grant application, we have created a Word version of the questions. You can use this document to formulate the answers, along with spell check, character count, etc. However, you must still use the online grants portal to submit your application and provide attachments. Click here for the grant working copy: ​Field Trip Grants 2021-2022 - Working Copy.

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

Fall Online Application available: 7/1/2021
Fall Application Deadlines: 11/15/2021
Award Notification: December 2021
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.**

To help you work on your grant application, we have created a Word version of the questions. You can use this document to formulate the answers, along with spell check, character count, etc. However, you must still use the online grants portal to submit your application and provide attachments. Click here for the grant working copy: ​ Fund for Excellence in Education Grants 2021 - Working Copy.

Fund for Excellence in Education Grant Guidelines

Deadlines: 
Deadline extended to November 15, 2021. Awards will be announced in late December 2021. 

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.

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.                                
                                  

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.

To help you work on your grant application, we have created a Word version of the questions. You can use this document to formulate the answers, along with spell check, character count, etc. However, you must still use the online grants portal to submit your application and provide attachments. Click here for the grant working copy: ​Irving and Gloria Schlossberg Family Fund Culture Grants - Working Copy.

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.

Jeannette F. Schlobach Grant Program

Fall Online Application available: 7/1/2021
Fall Application Deadlines: 8/15/2021
Award Notification: Letter of Inquiry (LOIs) must be submitted by August 15th. Full applications by October 1st. Awards in December.

The Jeannette F. Schlobach grant program is open to nonprofit organizations serving residents of Dutchess County, New York who are impacted by poverty.
 
Organizations involved in providing programs and services to individuals, families and their pets to support and improve economic stability, health and educational opportunities, are encouraged to apply.

To help you work on your grant application, we have created a Word version of the questions. You can use this document to formulate the answers, along with spell check, character count, etc. However, you must still use the online grants portal to submit your application and provide attachments. Click here for the grant working copy: Community Grant and Jeannette F. Schlobach Letter of Inquiry 2021 - Working Copy.

 The Jeannette F. Schlobach grant program is open to nonprofit organizations serving residents of Dutchess County, New York who are impacted by poverty.
 
Organizations involved in providing programs and services to individuals, families and their pets to support and improve economic stability, health and educational opportunities, are encouraged to apply.
 
This may include, but not be limited to organizations providing:
  • comprehensive case management services, including those that work to increase access to public benefits and community resources
  • homelessness prevention and affordable housing services,
  • educational opportunities, job readiness and job training services to youth and adults,
  • access to critical health services for individuals and children; and
  • access to low-cost services to family pets, etc.
 
The Community Foundations’ goal is to support programs that have proven to be effective, demonstrate increasing demand, and to encourage and support innovative solutions to those facing economic adversity. Funding will have a focus on benefiting people who are from historically marginalized and under-funded communities or populations based on their race, ethnicity, age, gender/gender identity, socioeconomic status, health status, abilities or geographic location.
 
Eligibility: 
The following organizations are eligible to apply for grants:
  • Tax exempt organizations (including faith based organizations) located in or providing services to residents of Dutchess County, New York
  • 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.
Please note that grants are not given to support:
  • Individuals
  • Political or partisan purposes
  • Lobbying activities
  • Loan reimbursements for capital projects already underway or completed
  • Retroactive expenses that were incurred prior to the grant award
  • Endowments
  • Religious organizations for sacramental or theological purposes, however, grants may be made to support non-religious community programs provided through these institutions
  • Schools, however, grants may be made to support student/teacher community service programs targeted to assist broader community needs
  • Private foundations
  • For-profit organizations
 
Funding Focus:
The Foundation will focus its grantmaking on making awards of General Operating or Program Support for organizations that address:
  • Support for existing or expanding programs and services that are proven effective in assisting individuals and families improve their economic stability, health and educational access and opportunity;
  • Equipment and capital support to improve organizational infrastructure and enhance capacity to deliver services;
  • New program pilots may be considered if organizations demonstrate the capacity to effectively carry out the program and sustain it beyond initial funding; and,
  • Requests that meet the above criteria and leverage existing resources and additional funding sources are encouraged.
 
Important: This grant program is intended to support organizations in achieving enhanced impact. Requests should be structured to demonstrate how a single grant from this program will support, grow and improve your programs. Annual funding should not be anticipated.
 
Funding Available:
It is anticipated that $120,000 will be available to grant this year. Multiple grants will be awarded. One application cycle will be offered annually in the fall.
 
Awards:     
Grants made through this program will not exceed $20,000.

Deadline: 

The Community Foundations will be accepting LOIs (Letters of Intent/Inquiry) applications from July 1st through August 15th. If your organization is invited to apply with a full application it must be submitted by October 1st. LOIs and full applications will not be accepted after the deadlines.

Due to the overlap in programming, applicants to the Jeannette F. Schlobach program will utilize the Community Grant LOI process to be considered for both a Community Grant and Schlobach Grant. By combining these processes we hope to alleviate some of the workload for both our grant applicants and Advisory Board volunteers who review.

Questions:
Applicants are encouraged to review the grants guidelines carefully and may contact the Community Foundations if they have questions. 
 
Contact grants@communityfoundationshv.org or Cristin McPeake, Vice President, Programs at (845) 452-3077 or cmcpeake@communityfoundationshv.org
 
Review Criteria:While this list is not exhaustive, the Foundations considers applications with the following criteria in mind:

  • Organization/Program Feasibility: Clearly demonstrates an ability to accomplish their mission, 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

  • Impact: Demonstrates how funds will support, grow and improve programming/services for innovative solutions to those facing economic adversity.

  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Develops and maintains community connections for the underserved & economically diverse; Incorporates diverse cultures, philosophies & experiences across their organization/programming

 
Review Process:
All applications will be rated on these criteria and reviewed by the Dutchess Advisory Board of the Community Foundations.  This Board is comprised of community members representing all areas of Dutchess County.  All recommendations made by the Dutchess Advisory Board are then 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: 7/1/2022
Fall Application Deadlines: 10/15/2022
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.

To help you work on your grant application, we have created a Word version of the questions. You can use this document to formulate the answers, along with spell check, character count, etc. However, you must still use the online grants portal to submit your application and provide attachments. Click here for the grant working copy: ​John T. Sloper Fund Application 2021 - Working Copy.

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: 1/31/2021
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

Fall Online Application available: 7/1/2021
Fall Application Deadlines: 11/15/2021
Award Notification: December 2021
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.

To help you work on your grant application, we have created a Word version of the questions. You can use this document to formulate the answers, along with spell check, character count, etc. However, you must still use the online grants portal to submit your application and provide attachments. Click here for the grant working copy: Nuvance Taconic IPA Grant Program 2021 - Working Copy.

Deadlines: 
Deadline extended to November 15, 2021. Awards will be announced in late December 2021. 

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.

EVALUATION AND SELECTION PROCESS – All applications will be reviewed by the NuvanceTaconic 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 late Fall 2021

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.
 
                                              

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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