The Community Foundation

Grant Proposal Guidelines

The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties, Inc. makes grants to ideas and projects that are the top priority for a nonprofit organization. The Foundation considers projects and programs that have potential for making a long-lasting impact upon and a significant difference to people in our two-county region.

Organizations located in either Herkimer or Oneida Counties, or that can demonstrate significant benefit to residents of these counties, are encouraged to share their creative and innovative projects with The Community Foundation.

The Community Foundation makes grants in the following areas:

The Foundation seeks to invest in programs and projects that:

Offer the greatest opportunity for positive and significant change in the community
Identify and enhance local strengths to address and provide creative solutions for important existing or emerging community issues
Develop organizational and/or individual self-sufficiency
Focus on identifiable outcomes that will make a difference
Leverage investment of other community resources
Improve the quality or scope of charitable works in the community

Consideration of Projects & Ideas

The first step in requesting a grant is to contact a member of the Program Staff. This will enable Foundation staff to provide applicants with a quick assessment of potential Foundation interest and support.

PLEASE NOTE: The Community Foundation generally does not make grants for: religious purposes*; financial assistance, scholarships or loans to individuals; non-emergency expenses that have already been incurred; ongoing operating support; multi-year grants or requests that exceed $100,000.

*The Foundation will consider proposals from faith-based institutions for programs or projects that address non-religious needs or issues and that serve a diverse group of people not restricted by religious affiliation.

When Are Grants Made?

The Community Foundation accepts requests on an ongoing basis. A Grants Committee, consisting of board members and community representatives from both Herkimer and Oneida counties, meets as needed with Foundation staff to discuss proposals and to make funding decisions. Applicants are informed about funding decisions in writing.

Foundation staff may recommend certain requests for more immediate action. Requests for emergency funding and projects with modest budgets may fall into this category.

Emergency requests describe unforeseen events and situations where immediate action is necessary to stave off detriment to a significant number of people.

Requests for substantial support of capital projects may be submitted anytime prior to April 1 for review in June or prior to October 1 for review in December. A meeting should be held with a program staff person at least two months prior to these dates to discuss any possible capital requests.

DOWNLOAD: Grant Proposal Cover Sheet