COMMUNITY FOUNDATION INTRODUCES SIMPLIFIED MINI-GRANT PROGRAM FOR CAPACITY BUILDING

In Central New York, our local not-for-profit organizations tend to feel the pinch of challenging economic times more acutely than their for-profit counterparts. Often, a simple increase in organizational capacity can help not-for-profits withstand the turbulence of the market and continue to achieve the goals of their missions. To facilitate this, The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties, Inc. is introducing a simplified mini-grant program.

This program is designed to help not-for-profits apply for funding of $20,000 or less that will be used for capacity-building purposes. For this process, capacity building is defined as something that “improves organizational capacity and competence;” this can include strengthening areas such as administrative systems, management, financial resources and governance. Historically, capacity-building grants have been invested in creating strategic or resource development plans, training and education for board and staff and purchasing new technology, to name but a few examples of activities that strengthens an organization’s foundation upon which its mission and programs rest.

The application for mini-grants is significantly shorter than the standard grant application.
This mini-grant program is a featured component of The Community Foundation’s competitive grantmaking. Capacity building grant requests for amounts over $20,000 may still be submitted, but are subject to the standard submission and review. Jan Squadrito is the Foundation staff contact for this program and all competitive grants. Interested parties should contact her at (315) 735-8212 or jsquadrito@foundationhoc.org for more information or to begin the application process.

The Community Foundation has been a force for improving lives and promoting philanthropy throughout Herkimer and Oneida counties since 1952. The Foundation has made more than 4,700 grants totaling over $37.2 million in support of causes ranging from education to health care, the arts to the environment. Grants are generated by the more than 285 funds that comprise The Foundation’s endowment, established and advanced by area individuals and families. For more information about The Community Foundation’s work in Herkimer and Oneida counties, visit www.foundationhoc.org or call (315) 735-8212.