Schenectady Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Schenectady Foundation supports community development, food systems and other causes in the Schenectady area.
IP TAKE: This community foundation is currently focused on neighborhood revitalization, equitable housing and local food systems, but it also makes grants for emergent community needs and micro grants for innovative or promising projects and programs. Overall, this is an accessible and responsive community foundation that is willing to hear ideas and take risks with smaller organizations. Reach out with questions and ideas at any time.
PROFILE: Established in 1962, the Schenectady Foundation is a community foundation based in Schenectady, New York. William H. Milton, 3rd, was a Schenectady Trust leader who first developed the idea for the foundation and gained the support of community leaders and the bank. The foundation began making grants in 1963 and is the only community funder that exclusively funds Schenectady County in New York. The foundation current initiatives concern equitable access to healthy food and neighborhood revitalization. This funder also makes grants for Schenectady’s emergent needs and micro grants for small organizations and innovative projects.
Grants for Food Systems and Public Health
The Schenectady Foundation recently committed approximately $900,000 to its Equitable Access to Healthy Food giving initiative. This program, which distribute funding over several years, aims to “increase food security, ensuring that all residents of the County have regular access to fresh, healthy food to nourish themselves and their families.” In addition to supporting organizations that improve access to food to those in need, the foundation aims to “build capacity and sustainability within our current food system.” Grants stemming from this program have gone to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, Schenectady Community Ministries and the Schenectady Greenmarket, among others.
Grants for Housing, Homelessness and Community Development; Work and Opportunity
This funder’s second major initiative, Transforming Neighborhoods, aims to “make Schenectady's neighborhoods healthier, safer and more livable.” Areas of interest toward these broad goals include equitable housing and employment opportunities, as well as the stimulation of local economies and the maintenance of vibrant, thriving communities. Grantmaking from this initiative prioritizes projects that involve “resident engagement and citizen leadership” and those that are oriented toward measurable results, collaboration and accountability. The foundation made a grant to Hamilton Hill 2, an affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization project, and the Hillside View Project, which works to provide housing and economic opportunities to the Craig St. area of Schenectady.
Grants for Education
This funder does not outline specific goals for its education grantmaking, but has supported many educational initiatives in the Schenectady area. Grants appear to prioritize underserved students and families. Recent grant recipients include the Rosa Venerini Early Childhood Center, the Boys and Girls Club of Schenectady, Schenectady County Community College and educational programs and supports run by the Schenectady County Public Library. This funder also awards about $40,000 in scholarships annually.
Other Grantmaking Opportunities
In addition to its two main grantmaking initiatives, the Schenectady Foundation awards grants for emergent community needs and micro grants for “innovative ideas and small programs with potential.” Micro grants are usually awarded in amounts of up to $10,000. Examples of emergent and micro grant recipients include the Create Community Studio, Proctors Theatre and Patriot Youth Basketball.
Important Grant Details
The Schenectady Foundation made about $350,000 in grants in a recent year. Grants ranged from $5,000 to $140,000. Grantmaking is mainly limited to the Schenectady area, with most grants going to organizations that work directly with or for area residents. For additional information about past grants, see the foundation’s recent tax filings.
This foundation accepts letters of inquiry at any time through its online grant portal. If approved, applicants will be invited to complete a full grant application. Neighborhood Revitalization grants are due in May, Emergent Needs applications are due in July, and applications for the Equitable Access to Health Food program are due in November. Direct general questions to Kristi Milligan via email or telephone at 518-393-9500.
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