GRANT GUIDELINES

OVERVIEW

Seed Funding for Emerging Nonprofits was established as part of the Fund for Columbia County's mission to strengthen and expand the nonprofit landscape in Columbia County, increasing the range of services, programs, resources, and opportunities available to all residents.

This initiative aims to support emerging initiatives that:

• Address an unmet community need in Columbia County
• Have a clear vision and a realistic path to becoming a sustainable, established nonprofit

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must be located within and primarily serving Columbia County, NY, and may be in the process of forming or in their first three years of operations. Organizations without nonprofit status may apply using a fiscal sponsor. 

Funding may be requested once per year for up to three years.

AWARDS

Grants generally range from $1,000 to $3,000, with committee discretion to award up to $5,000 for requests demonstrating exceptional need and impact. Funds must be spent within 12 months of receipt.

HOW TO APPLY

Send a letter of request to grants@berkshiretaconic.org between April 15 and September 15.

The letter must include:

• A mission statement describing the community need being addressed, who will be served, and which towns
• The amount requested and an overview of how funds will be used, including a budget
• The initiative's current status in the process of becoming a 501(c)(3)
• If applicable, identification of a fiscal sponsor

ELIGIBLE USES OF FUNDING

Funding may be used for, but is not limited to:

• Programming costs
• Equipment
• Outreach and marketing
• Consultancies
• Legal fees to obtain 501(c)(3) status

REVIEW CRITERIA

Requests are considered by the Fund for Columbia County committee using the criteria below. Proposals are not required to meet every criterion.

• Potential — Is the community need clearly articulated, and does the team demonstrate the leadership, experience, and relationships to pursue this vision?
• Feasibility — Is there a plausible plan, timeline, and use of resources that make early progress achievable?
• Impact — What specific outcomes are expected, and how will participants or the broader community benefit?

• Equity — Does the initiative intentionally center communities facing structural barriers, and are those communities meaningfully involved in shaping the work?

  
  Funding recommendations are reviewed by Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation's Board of Directors.  

  
  Neither the Fund for Columbia County nor Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation supports organizations that discriminate in their constitution, by-laws, or practice on the basis of age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation, or religious belief.
  
  Questions? Please email Leila Kaplan, Community Engagement Officer, Columbia & Berkshire Counties