Grant Opportunities

The Equity Grant Round is for nonprofits whose primary focus is serving marginalized populations that have community-driven projects and equitable impact in Herkimer & Oneida Counties with priority given to organizations led by people of color.

Nonprofit organizations serving the two counties can apply for up to $15,000 in funding for projects and programs that seek to foster inclusive environments that empower individuals to thrive. This includes, but is not limited to, programs and projects related to education, economic stability, housing, healthcare, and food insecurity that are grounded in supporting and enhancing diverse communities.

Important Deadlines

• Submissions will be accepted Wednesday, April 1 - Thursday, April 30, at 11:59 p.m.
• Award notifications will be made within 60 days of the submission deadline. All applicants will be notified regardless of whether they receive funding.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization, an organization with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, or a faith-based organization seeking support for projects/programs that address non-religious needs or issues, serving diverse constituencies without regard to religious affiliation.
• Requested funding must serve Herkimer and/or Oneida county residents.
• New programs or projects in need of funding must begin no earlier than June 2026.
• If your request is for an existing or ongoing program/project, all expenses incurred prior to June do not qualify for funding.
• All programs/projects should have identifiable and measurable outcomes with a definitive timeline for completion or outcomes to be achieved.
• Priority will be given to applications from nonprofit organizations led by persons of color grounded in supporting and enhancing diverse communities.
• Only one request will be accepted per organization.
• Minor capital improvements such as renovations and repairs and one-time events will be considered but not prioritized.

Ineligible

• Financial assistance, scholarships, or loans to individuals
• Funding for religious or faith-based specific programming
• General operating support, payroll
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (DEIB) and similar educational/awareness programs
• Backpack giveaways
• Expenses already incurred (projects in progress or already completed)

Hero Fund America Fund, a field-of-interest fund of the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, is seeking applications for its First Responders Grant Round for programs, projects, and other needs that will support education, training, lifesaving equipment, and mental health of volunteer fire and emergency medical services (EMS), and law enforcement agencies with 25 or less employees. Organizations in New York and other states are encouraged to apply for up to $1,500.

Important Deadlines

• Submissions will be accepted Monday, June 1 - Tuesday, June 30, at 11:59 p.m.
• Award notifications will be made in July. All applicants will be notified regardless of whether they receive funding.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization, an organization with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, or a government entity
  • Volunteer fire and emergency medical service (EMS)
  • Law enforcement agencies with 25 or less employees
• Total project budget should not exceed $10,000
• Program or projects will directly support the education, training, lifesaving equipment, and mental health needs of first responders
• All grant funds will be used for direct program expenses
• Only organizations that have not received funding in 2023, 2024, or 2025 can apply
• Only one request will be accepted per organization

More details on the Helpful Harvest Grant Round will be available soon.

The Adirondack League Club Grant Round for Old Forge supports nonprofit organizations that have programs and projects that directly serve Old Forge, the Town of Webb, and/or the Adirondack Region. This grant round is open to nonprofit organizations by invitation only. 

The mission of the Adirondack League Club Community Fund, a donor-advised fund of the Community Foundation, is to enhance the vitality of communities in the two counties by providing financial support to nonprofit organizations that contribute to the quality of life and well-being of residents. Awards from the fund support programs and projects that:

• Offer the greatest opportunity for positive and significant change in the community
• Address and provide creative solutions for longstanding or emerging community issues
• Result in outcomes that will make a difference
• Leverage investment of other community resources
• Improve the quality or scope of charitable works in the community

Important Deadlines

• Submissions will be accepted Friday, May 1 - Monday, June 15, at 11:59 p.m.
• Award notifications will be issued mid-summer. All applicants will be notified regardless of whether they receive funding. 

Eligibility

• Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization, an organization with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, government entity, or a faith-based organization seeking support for projects/programs that address non-religious needs or issues, serving diverse constituencies without regard to religious affiliation.
• New programs or projects in need of funding must begin no earlier than August 2026. If your request is for an existing or ongoing program/project, all expenses incurred prior to August do not qualify for funding.
• All programs/projects should have identifiable and measurable outcomes with a definitive timeline for completion or outcomes to be achieved.

Please contact Fundholder and Community Engagement Strategist Ely Arnone-Earl, earnone-earl@foundationhoc.org, with questions about eligibility.