The Central New York Community Foundation is a public charity focused on managing private donations to support local charities and addressing critical issues through community projects. Founded in 1927, it aims to strengthen nonprofits and has distributed over $230 million in Central New York, being the region's largest charitable foundation.
The Community Grants program by the Central New York Community Foundation is specifically designed to support nonprofit organizations in Onondaga and Madison counties. The grant focuses on funding innovative projects within the realms of arts and culture, civic affairs, education, health, human services, and environment. It supports capital projects (large scale capital campaigns, repairs, upgrades, and purchases), program support (for new and innovative or expanding proven programs addressing pressing community needs), and organizational development (strategic planning, board development, and succession planning). Capital projects are defined as those seeking funding for new facilities, renovations, additions, or equipment purchases with a significant expected lifespan, with specific criteria for large and small projects and a focus on community redevelopment.