2023 AWARD CYCLE

The Strategic Plan adopted in early 2023 by CFOC focuses our attention in three primary areas:

• strengthening our community;
• strengthening our nonprofit sector;
• assisting those in need of support.

To strengthen our community, it is critical that we reverse longstanding trends of declining population and increasing median age of our citizens.  Retaining our young people (and their families) and attracting new young families will lead to a healthier economy and will provide more resources to address current problems. At the core of this mission is an emphasis on diversity, inclusion and welcoming.

Volumes have been written about diversity, equity, and inclusion.  Every nonprofit has done (or should have done) a self-assessment and adopted policy statements and even taken actual actions.  CFOC wonders if these good intentions have resulted in real progress.  Do our words have substance? If not, why not?

This current award round is dedicated to finding that answer.

We want to find programs that reach into the community that focus on

• Exchanging ideas with those of differing perspectives and persuasions
• Reaching out to a group that is different from your group
• Extending a welcome to people from outside our county
• Sharing an activity by two or more groups with different identities

What we mean by diversity, inclusion, and welcoming:

• Diversity – the practice or policy of including or involving people from a range of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds and of different genders, sexual orientations, etc.
• Inclusion – the practice or policy of providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or less considered, such as those who have physical or intellectual disabilities and members of other minority groups.
• Welcoming – conscious effort to have open, helpful, and friendly attitudes and actions directed toward new arrivals to the area.

For our October 15 deadline, CFOC has allocated up to $50,000 for awards that focus on diversity, inclusion, and welcoming. Up to 10 awards will be given, with a maximum of $5,000 per award.

We do not expect to quickly reverse trends that have been at play for decades.  We want to experiment with solutions that try out new theories.  We want to encourage diverse thinking.

2023 General Guidelines

To apply for an award or grant, applicants must be nonprofits that are qualified as 501c3 organizations in good standing.  If your organization does not qualify, it is possible to align with a fiscal sponsoring organization that does qualify.  Please contact us for further information.

Applicants must submit complete applications that are available by clicking here. It is important that all answers be completed with all attachments responsive to the questions asked.  If you have any questions about the application, please contact us.

What we do not fund

• fundraising aid
• direct grants to individuals
• direct grants to businesses
• grants for sectarian activities
• building renovations or capital improvements
• scholarships

Award Details

• All applications must be fully completed to be considered.
• Awards may include funding of administrative costs but not exceeding 10% of total award requested.
• TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION, CLICK HERE.
• All questions can be directed to contact@cfotsego.org

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: If I’m not a 501c3, is it possible for me to apply?

A: Yes, but… you will need to find a fiscal sponsor that is a 501c3 in good standing and willing to act as the applicant.  That organization’s mission should be aligned with the goals of the proposed project.  The sponsoring organization will be accepting financial and reporting responsibility and will be liable for complying with the provisions of our award letter.  

Q: Can churches and religious organizations apply?

A: Yes, churches and religious organizations can apply, but the project/service applied for must be for the benefit and use of the general public.  Projects/services that only serve a specific religious congregation are not eligible. 

Q: Can I apply if I received an award in the June 2023 cycle?

A: No. We received a tremendous amount of application at the June 15 deadline. We want to be sure to help as many of our nonprofits as possible. 

Q: Do I need to upload my financial statement and most recent 990?

A: Yes, we do require these materials as part of a complete application.  We only consider complete applications.  Your financial statement should include the most recent year’s Statement of Financial Position and Statement of Activity.  Project budget is required too, but not here.

Q: Why do you need to know how many of my Board members made cash donations in the past 12 months?

A: We have seen that healthy 501c3s are ones with strong boards, demonstrated by personal financial commitments.  We do not need to know the amounts of such commitments.   We encourage you to explain the importance of this to your board members. While a factor in the review process, the percentage of board member cash contributions is not a deal-breaker.

Q: What do you want to see in the project budget?

A: The more detail, the better.  If you are including administrative costs, please clearly indicate those costs.   This budget is for the project; we are not asking for your organization’s overall budget.

Q: Is the deadline firm?

A: Yes. The application process will be closed when the deadline date has passed. Submissions will not be possible after the deadline date.

Q: When will awards be announced?

A: We expect to review and approve applications by the end of the deadline month.

Q: If my application is unsuccessful, is there any way for me to understand why?

A: Yes. We are happy to review your application, either by email or phone.

Q: I have a question that has not been covered above? Is there a way for me to ask it?

A: Yes. We want to do everything we can to make our award process work best for our Otsego County nonprofits. You can email us at contact@cfotsego.org or call Jeff Katz, Executive Director, at (607) 286-3750.

                                                                                       2023 Awards – June 15 Deadline