CNY Community Foundation Community Grants (Education and Environment Round)
Eligibility
Nonprofits and public entities serving central New York (Onondaga, Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, and Oswego counties) are eligible. The Education round funds K-12 programs, youth enrichment, and educational access. The Environment round funds conservation, sustainability, and environmental education. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or public entities.
Program Goals
The Central New York Community Foundation's Community Grants program supports organizations working on education, environment, and community development in central New York. The spring grant round covers Education and Environment as primary focus areas. Education grants support innovative K-12 programs, afterschool enrichment, STEM, and youth workforce readiness. Environment grants fund conservation, sustainability, and environmental education in central New York communities.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Applications are submitted online through the CNY Community Foundation portal. The spring 2027 round opens December 22, 2026, and closes February 27, 2027. Submit a program description, community impact narrative, budget, and organizational documentation.
Cycle Notes
CNY Community Foundation Education and Environment grants are awarded in an annual spring round. The 2027 round opens December 22, 2026, and closes February 27, 2027. Visit cnycf.org for the current application and guidelines.
Grant Award Amount
Community grants typically range from $2,500 to $25,000 per project depending on program scope. Contact the Foundation for current grant size guidance before applying.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- micro:bit Starter Kit — physical computing for central New York STEM education programs
- CHARGE Climate Sensor Kit — environmental monitoring for CNY Community Foundation environment grants
- MicroChat AI Literacy Kit — AI literacy for education programs in central New York communities
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for CNY Community Foundation Community Grants?
Nonprofits and public entities serving central New York (Onondaga, Cayuga, Cortland, Madison, and Oswego counties) are eligible. Education and Environment rounds are offered in the spring cycle.
How much funding is available through CNY Community Foundation grants?
Community grants typically range from $2,500 to $25,000.
Can CNY Community Foundation funds be used for STEM and coding tools?
Yes. CNY Community Foundation funds can support hands-on STEM materials, physical computing kits, and coding curriculum when they align to the program's stated goals. Document alignment to program objectives before purchasing.
How do New York schools apply for CNY Community Foundation grants?
Apply online at cnycf.org between December 22, 2026, and February 27, 2027. Submit a program description, community impact narrative, and budget.
How can Forward Education help with CNY Community Foundation funding?
Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, official pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for New York schools. Our STEM kits are purpose-built to meet the learning outcomes this foundation funds. Contact us before submitting your application.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals. We can help you connect our tools to your grant requirements.
- Curriculum alignment documents — New York standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing — classroom sets, bundles, and multi-site pricing
- Letters of support — documentation for grant applications
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence — ready-to-use program outlines
Explore more New York funding resources
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