Community Foundation of Otsego County Spring 2026 Awards Cycle: Civic Engagement and Historic Preservation
The Community Foundation of Otsego County (CFOC) 2026 Spring awards cycle is 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).
Organizations may apply for multiple programs within a single application.
If this is your first time applying through our Foundant software, you will be directed to create an account and build your organizational profile. Once your organization is in our system, you won’t have to provide that information again.
What We Do Not Fund through the Spring 2026 Awards Cycle:
- fundraising efforts
- direct grants to individuals
- direct grants to businesses
Award Details:
- The deadline for applications is May 15, 2026.
Application Instructions:
- Please answer all questions.
- If an award is offered, funds will be disbursed upon written acceptance of our award and compliance with any conditions of the award.
- A final report will be required on the use of the award funds. Reports must include metrics on what the program or activity accomplished, evaluations of how it performed in comparison to expectations, lessons learned, and what changes will be made if the program continues. Reports should be written for a general audience, with any technical terms or jargon defined. Reports for prior awards must be completed before new applications will be considered.
- Applications must be submitted online. To apply, click here.
Questions Welcome
If you have any questions about the application or awards round, we are glad to help. Please email contact@cfotsego.org or call 607-286-3750.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: If I’m not a 501(c)(3), is it possible for me to apply?
A: Yes, but… you will need to find a fiscal sponsor that is a 501(c)(3) 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 municipalities, churches and religious organizations apply?
A: Yes, municipalities, churches and religious organizations can apply, but the project/service applied for must be for the benefit and use of the general public. For municipalities, extra documentation is needed to ensure that the award goes to the project applied for, rather than to the municipalities’ general budget. Projects/services that only serve a specific religious congregation are not eligible.
Q: Can I apply if I received an award in previous cycles?
A: Yes, as long as a final report for the previous award has been submitted (or with approval from CFOC).
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 501(c)(3)s 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: Does my organization need to spend all award money in one calendar year?
A: While we expect the funds to be used in the course of the year that follows receipt, we do not require it. How the funds were spent should be explained in detail in the final report.
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 month that follows the deadline.
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.