Grant Opportunities
The Community Foundation administers grant opportunities through more than 630 charitable component funds. Each year, we distribute millions of dollars in charitable grants supporting nonprofit organizations, community initiatives, educational advancement, and specialized funding opportunities throughout the region.
Competitive Grants
The Community Foundation manages several funds that award grants through a competitive process. Among these funds are the Make a Difference Fund, the Fund for Women and Children, the Hudson Valley Animal Shelter Fund, the Community Perspective Fund, and additional specialized funding opportunities offered throughout the year.
Unless otherwise noted, applicants for nonprofit grant opportunities must meet the following requirements:
- Qualify under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code as a nonprofit organization OR operate under the fiscal sponsorship of an organization that does
- Serve residents and be located within Orange and Sullivan counties unless otherwise noted
Boss Women UNITED Grant Program
Boss Women UNITED’s mission is to foster the success and advancement of women in the financial services industry by supporting continuing education and professional development opportunities.
Through this program, grants of up to $500 are available to help offset costs associated with certifications, licensing, trainings, and career development opportunities for women working within the financial services industry, including across all broker-dealers (BDs).
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, with submissions reviewed and grant awards distributed quarterly.
Funding requests should clearly describe the certification, training, or professional development opportunity being pursued and how it will support the applicant’s continued career advancement within the financial services field.
The Latham & Watkins Fund for East Ramapo’s Public School Students
The application period for the current grant cycle has now closed.
This fund supports nonprofit organizations serving the East Ramapo Central School District in Rockland County, NY. Grants are awarded to programs that enhance educational access, academic achievement, and enrichment opportunities for public school students.
Proposals must clearly describe the need being addressed and demonstrate how the project will directly benefit East Ramapo’s public school children.
Grant recipients are required to report on program progress, outcomes, and overall community impact during the grant period.
Please continue to check back for updates regarding future application availability and funding timelines.
The Hudson Valley Animal Shelter Fund in Memory of Jean A. Rowe
This grant provides financial assistance to nonprofit animal welfare agencies throughout the Hudson Valley, in memory of Jean A. Rowe. Funding priority is given to nonprofit organizations in Orange, Dutchess, Ulster, Putnam, Sullivan, and Rockland counties that are dedicated to rescuing, sheltering, and protecting animals.
The application period for the 2026 grant cycle has now closed. Grant recipients will be announced in early March 2026. The next application cycle will open in January 2027; interested organizations are encouraged to check back at that time for application details.
The Make a Difference Fund
Established in 2003 by the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan, the Make a Difference Fund was created to address emerging and unmet needs in the communities we serve.
This grant opportunity provides support to nonprofits that help children and families in distressed communities thrive through programs that are educational, recreational, and wellness-focused.
The year’s grant cycle focuses on supporting nonprofit infrastructure and operational needs, with preference given to projects serving women, children and seniors. This cycle opens on July 1, with a deadline of July 30.
Fund for Women and Children
The Fund for Women and Children is a unique philanthropic effort designed to identify and address pressing issues impacting some of the most vulnerable members of our community. Through targeted and specific funding, the goal of this initiative is for nonprofits in the region to elevate their programming to empower the women and children of Orange, Sullivan and Ulster Counties.
Click here to learn more and for a list of previous grant recipients.
Email lisa@cfosny.org with any questions.
Community Perspective Fund
The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan’s Community Perspective Fund supports local nonprofit organizations working to advance equity, inclusion, and understanding across our region. Eligible applicants include organizations based in or serving Orange, Sullivan, and Rockland counties with annual operating budgets of $1 million or less.
This grant program is not currently accepting applications. The Community Perspective Fund is expected to reopen for applications in Fall 2026, with funding anticipated to support projects that strengthen community connection and opportunity.
Please check back for updated application timelines and details as the next grant cycle approaches.
Connecting people who care with causes that matter
The majority of Community Foundation grants are made in partnership with individuals, families, or organizations who work with the Foundation to facilitate their charitable giving through donor advised funds. In order to better support donors’ philanthropic intentions and provide the maximum support to address community needs, we work hard to connect donors to organizations and issues aligned with their interests.
Contact us to discuss your organization’s needs.
