Grant Opportunities
The Community Foundation grants from our more than 450 different charitable component funds. Each year, we distribute $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 Make a Difference Fund, the Fund for Women and Children, the Hudson Valley Animal Shelter Fund, and the Orange and Sullivan Equity 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.
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.
2025 applications are no longer being accepted. Please check back in January 2026!
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 2025 grant cycle is now closed. The next application period will open in July 2026. At that time, eligible organizations can create a profile and access the application through our online portal.
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 nonprofits advancing equity, inclusion, and understanding across our region. Organizations based in or serving Orange, Sullivan and Rockland counties with annual operating budgets of $1 million or less are eligible to apply.
Applications will be accepted October 20 – November 24, 2025, with up to five $1,000 grants awarded to projects that strengthen community connection and opportunity. Go to the CFOS Grants Portal to apply.
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.
