2025 Clifton-Fine Community Fund

The Northern New York Community Foundation General Grant Program supports a broad array of programs and initiatives that enhance the quality of life across Northern New York. This foundation is committed to addressing the region’s evolving community needs through funding that prioritizes health and wellness, arts and culture, human services, education, families, youth and elder care, environmental and conservation efforts, community development, and recreational initiatives. Applications should reflect a strong alignment with the foundation’s mission, vision, and values, and must convey a compelling narrative about their community benefit. A key component of the application process is the submission of a Letter of Inquiry (LOI), which is required solely for the general grant program and not for any of the Foundation’s component funds. The LOI serves as the initial stage in the application and is carefully reviewed by foundation staff, who may follow up with additional questions. If the LOI aligns with the Foundation’s objectives, the applicant will be invited to submit a full proposal. Prior to submitting an LOI, applicants are encouraged to consult with Foundation staff to discuss their ideas and needs; this conversation may lead to a required site visit before advancing. The general grant program follows a quarterly review schedule with specific deadlines. For 2025, LOI deadlines and corresponding full application deadlines are as follows: Q1 LOI by December 27, 2024, with applications due by January 24, 2025; Q2 LOI by March 14, 2025, with applications due by April 18, 2025; Q3 LOI by June 13, 2025, with applications due by July 18, 2025; and Q4 LOI by September 19, 2025, with applications due by October 24, 2025. Evaluation criteria include the perceived value of the proposed project to the Northern New York community, the funding available at the time of review, and the project’s overall quality in terms of planning, leadership, and community support. There is no specified funding amount or range listed for the general grant program, implying flexibility based on need and merit. Applicants are advised to ensure that their projects demonstrate thoughtful planning and a capacity to fulfill proposed objectives. While tips and explicit time estimates are not detailed, the emphasis on early engagement with staff suggests a collaborative application process intended to improve applicant alignment and outcomes. For questions and guidance, prospective applicants can contact Max DelSignore, Vice President, at [email protected]; Kraig Everard, Director of Philanthropy, at [email protected]; or Emily Pfeil, Philanthropy Associate, at [email protected]. Applications are managed through an online portal provided by Foundant Technologies.

Applicants are encouraged to contact Foundation staff before submitting the LOI and may be subject to a site visit based on this conversation.