REGION — The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan (CFOS) is pleased to announce that applications are being accepted for the 2024 Make a Difference grants. This year, the Fund will prioritize supporting organizations actively mitigating food insecurity among underprivileged or distressed families in Orange and Sullivan counties.

Focus on Food Insecurity

In recognition of the growing need to address food insecurity, the 2024 Make a Difference Fund will prioritize programs and services that directly supply food to families in need. Educational initiatives related to food insecurity will be considered, but proposals focused solely on education will not be supported during this funding cycle.

“We understand the devastating impact of hunger and the critical importance of organizations doing the boots-on-the-ground work to address it,” said Elizabeth Rowley, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan. “Through our Make a Difference grants, we hope to alleviate some of the burden on these dedicated organizations and help them reach more individuals and families facing food insecurity.”

Grant Details

Two to four grants, up to $5,000 each, will be awarded to qualified non-profit organizations in Orange and Sullivan Counties.

Application Process and Timeline

Applications for the 2024 Make a Difference Grants are available on the CFOS website at cfosny.org until August 2, 2024. Grant recipients will be announced at the CFOS Annual Reception on October 23, 2024.

 Eligibility Requirements

• Tax-exempt 501(c)3 organizations located in Orange or Sullivan County.
• Annual operating budget of $2 million or less.
• Programs directly addressing food insecurity through food distribution.
• Proposals that comply with the CFOS Make a Difference Fund guidelines (outlined below).

 Make a Difference Fund Guidelines

The Make a Difference Fund does not provide grants for:

• Endowment funds
• Organizations that received a Make a Difference grant within the past year
• Projects influencing specific legislation or election campaigns
• Medical research (excluding food-related initiatives)
• Private education or religious organizations (except for programs serving broad community food needs)
• Retroactive funding for completed projects
• Fundraising events, benefit tickets, or courtesy advertising
• Replacing government funding (except for bridge funding)
• Higher education scholarships
• Employee compensation

 For more information, please call the CFOS office at 845/769-9393 and ask for Lisa or email lisa@cfosny.org.

 About the Make a Difference Fund

The Make a Difference Fund, established in 2003 by the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan, aims to address emerging needs in its designated areas. Over the years, it has consistently supported various community needs, with a focus this year on mitigating food insecurity.

About the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan (CFOS):  Based in Montgomery, NY, the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan connects people who care with causes that matter. Established in 1999, the Foundation helps philanthropic individuals, businesses and organizations establish charitable funds that will award grants and scholarships, for good, forever. The Foundation has significantly increased the region’s charitable capital and has empowered donors to make a profound difference in the quality of life in our region. Since its inception, CFOS, with its donors and fund representatives, has awarded more than $30 million in grants and scholarships. The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan currently administers 400 active charitable funds that represent $57.5 million in assets to support animal welfare, arts and culture, education, the environment, health and human services, recreation, and youth. To learn more, visit cfosny.org.