The 2023 application is now open between September 25, 2023 and October 23, 2023. Recipients will be announced on November 13th, 2023. Email lisa@cfosny.org with any questions! Please be sure read full eligibility requirements and apply using the link below.

 

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.  

Eligibility:
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.

This year, the Make a Difference Fund will focus on supporting organizations that are providing programs and services to address emerging social and emotional needs of Veterans in Orange and Sullivan counties. To be considered, organizations must have an annual operating budget of $2 million or less. The program submitted for funding must directly impact the improvement in quality of life for Veterans in Orange and Sullivan counties.

Two to four grants up to $5,000 will be distributed this year to nonprofit organizations in Orange and Sullivan Counties.

Eligibility:
All tax exempt 501(c)3 organizations located in Orange and Sullivan County are eligible to apply

Please note that grants are not given to support:

• Endowment Funds
• Organizations that received a Make A Difference grant within one (1) year.
• Projects that influence specific legislation or election campaigns.
• Academic or medical research.
• Private education and religious organizations except for programs that serve broad community needs.
• Retroactive funding for projects that have been completed or will be completed prior to the grant award date.
• Fundraising events, the purchase of tickets for benefits, courtesy advertising.
• Replacement of governmental or other public funding except for grants bridging periods before anticipated funding.
• Higher education scholarships
• Employee compensation

 

Make A Difference Fund Past Recipients

2022

Jewish Family Service of Orange County NY

Liberty NY Rotary Club Foundation, Inc.

The Pine Bush Area Public Library

Town of Montgomery – Senior Independence Project

2021

Abilities First, Inc.

Astor Services for Children & Families

Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster

Catskill Claws

Chosen Few Leathernecks, Inc.

Dandelions are Flowers Too Youth Services, Inc.

Literacy Volunteers of Sullivan County 

Marc’s Friends

New York State Federation of Growers’ and Processors’ Associations, Inc.

Rural & Migrant Ministry, Inc.

Town of Wallkill Boys & Girls Clubs, Inc. 

2020

Sullivan 180 

United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region

2019
Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan and Ulster

Hudson Valley Council Boy Scouts of America

NAMI Orange County, NY

Nora Cronin Presentation Academy

PRASAD Children’s Dental Health Program

Town of Wallkill Boys & Girls Club

2018
Newburgh Armory Unity Center, Inc.

Hudson Valley Seed, Inc.

Time and the Valleys Museum

Sullivan County Head Start, Inc.

2017
Grace Episcopal Church

HONOR ehg, Inc.

Catskill Regional Medical Center

Interfaith Outreach United

2016
Sullivan County Head Start

North American Cultural Laboratory, Inc.

San Miguel Academy of Newburgh

Safe Harbors of the Hudson

2015
Boys and Girls Club of Newburgh, Inc.

Safe Homes of Orange County, Inc.

Nana’s House Child Care Center

Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson, Inc.

2014
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County, Inc. – Site Based Mentoring Program

United Way of Sullivan County, Inc. – Snack Pack Program

2013
Safe Homes of Orange County – Family Justice Center Waiting Room

Town of Wallkill Boys and Girls Club – TORCH Program

2012
Dispute Resolution Center – Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers

Town of Wallkill Boys and Girls Club – InfluenceHer Program