Apply for a Nonprofit Grant

Grant Opportunities

The Community Foundation grants from our more than 425 different charitable component funds. Each year, we distribute nearly $3 million in charitable grants to nonprofit organizations and scholarship awards to local students.


Competitive Grants

The Community Foundation manages several funds that award grants through a competitive process. Among these funds are the Orange and Sullivan COVID-19 Response Fund, the Make a Difference Fund, the Fund for Women and Children, and the Hudson Valley Animal Shelter Fund.

To be eligible for competitive grants, applicants 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.

Make a Difference Fund

The Make a Difference Fund was established in 2003 by leadership of the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan to meet emerging needs in the areas we serve. This fund has supported children and families in distressed communities achieve success through grants to nonprofits providing valuable educational, recreational and wellness opportunities.

2024 Grant applications being accepted until August 2, 2024. Click here to apply. Email lisa@cfosny.org with any questions!


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 Rowe. Funding priority will be given to nonprofit organizations in Orange, Dutchess, Ulster, Putnam, Sullivan and Rockland Counties that are dedicated to rescuing, sheltering and defending animals.

The 2024 application in now closed. Please check back in March 2025 for our next grant opportunity!


Medline Foundation Grants for SDOH initiatives

With a commitment to improving healthcare outcomes and promoting wellness initiatives, through the Community Foundation of Orange & Sullivan, Medline Foundation is offering five grants worth $5,000 each to address the social determinants of health (SDOH) in Orange County. These grants will empower the recipient organizations to make tangible strides in their respective fields. Whether it’s funding for medical research, community health programs, or educational endeavors, the Medline Cares Foundation’s contribution serves as a catalyst for positive change. 

Applications being accepted until May 3, 2024.


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.


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.