The Community Foundation of Otsego County (CFOC) is pleased to announce the opening of its 2026 Spring awards cycle, dedicated to civics education, historic preservation, and community service projects related to Otsego County history, with special consideration given to projects focused on celebrating America 250. In partnership with the Mildred Parish Foundation Fund at CFOC, we are allocating $100,000 for the Spring cycle.
The 2026 Spring awards cycle focuses on the following types of applications that include, but are not limited to:
- Workshops and education programs (for example, civic education, grave restoration, school programs, indigenous history, research, etc.);
- Archival and genealogical services support (including digitization of important documents);
- Historic markers and monument care;
- Exhibit and event support (excluding fireworks);
- Historic encampments and reenactments;
- Capital projects for historic buildings.
While special consideration will be given to America 250 projects, projects that focus and pre- and post- America 250 are welcome. Collaborative efforts (for example, purchase of digitization services or archival supplies) are strongly encouraged. The maximum award is $10,000.Applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations. Groups fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization are also eligible but must submit evidence of the sponsorship (funds will be disbursed through that sponsor, which must also provide the identifying information requested in our application).
Qualifying organizations can apply here
The deadline for applications is May 15, 2026. The Spring 2026 Awards Cycle does not fund fundraising efforts, direct grants to individuals, or direct grants to businesses.
Questions are welcome. For more information and FAQ, click here
If your question is not listed, please email contact@cfotsego.org or call 607-286-3750.
