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Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan

Annual Giving
$3.9M
Grant Range
$1K - $0.1M
Decision Time
2mo

Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $3.9 million (2024)
  • Total Assets: $50 million
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: 1-2 months (varies by program)
  • Grant Range: $1,000 - $100,000
  • Geographic Focus: Orange, Sullivan, and Rockland Counties, NY (expanding focus)

Contact Details

Address: 30 Scott's Corners Drive, Suite 203, Montgomery, NY 12549

Phone: (845) 769-9393

Website: https://cfosny.org

Email: info@cfosny.org

Program Contact: Lisa Mitchell, lisa@cfosny.org

Grants Portal: grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfosnygrants

Overview

Founded in 1999, the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan (CFOS) has grown from serving Orange County to expanding its reach to include Sullivan County (and more recently, Rockland County following a 2025 merger). With nearly $50 million in charitable assets—up from $29 million just five years ago—CFOS manages 450+ active charitable funds representing a diverse mix of donor-advised, field-of-interest, and designated funds. Since inception, the foundation has awarded over $33 million in grants and scholarships to nonprofits across the region. In 2024 alone, CFOS distributed $3,941,382 in grants (54 awards) plus $543,000 in scholarships to students from every school district in Orange and Sullivan counties. The foundation's mission is to "enable charitable individuals and organizations to become meaningful donors by providing trusted support and expertise for their contributions to make a difference in our community, now and forever." Under the leadership of President and CEO Elizabeth Rowley, CFRE (since 2015), CFOS has significantly expanded its asset base and community impact. The foundation takes a strategic approach to addressing community needs, focusing 27% of grants on education-focused activities, 17% on human services, 17% on capital projects, and 13% on youth development, with the remainder supporting health, arts and culture, libraries, parks, and other community priorities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Make a Difference Fund (Annual cycle, typically July-September)

  • Award Amount: Up to $5,000 per county
  • Focus: Educational, recreational, and wellness programs for children and families in distressed communities; recent expansion to include arts and humanities programming for disadvantaged children and elderly individuals
  • Geographic Scope: Orange, Sullivan, and Rockland Counties
  • Application Method: Annual competitive cycle through online portal
  • 2025 Deadline: July 31 (awards announced by September)
  • Next Cycle: July 2026

Fund for Women and Children (Timing varies)

  • Award Range: Typically $5,000-$100,000
  • Focus: Addressing pressing issues impacting vulnerable women and children
  • Geographic Scope: Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster Counties
  • Recent Recipients: Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, Worker Justice Center of New York, Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, Baby Steps Baby Pantry
  • Application Method: Contact lisa@cfosny.org for current opportunities

Hudson Valley Animal Shelter Fund (Annual cycle, typically January-March)

  • Focus: Financial assistance to nonprofit animal welfare agencies
  • Priority Counties: Orange, Dutchess, Ulster, Putnam, Sullivan, and Rockland Counties
  • Recent Recipients: Sullivan County SPCA, Iron Horse Sanctuary in Goshen
  • Application Method: Annual competitive cycle
  • 2025 Status: Applications closed; reopens January 2026

Community Perspective Fund (Annual cycle, October-November)

  • Award Amount: $1,000 grants (up to five awarded)
  • Focus: Advancing equity, inclusion, and understanding across the region
  • Eligibility: Organizations with annual operating budgets of $1 million or less
  • Geographic Scope: Orange, Sullivan, and Rockland Counties
  • Application Window: October 20 – November 24

Donor-Advised and Designated Funds

  • A significant portion of CFOS funding comes from funds that do not accept unsolicited applications
  • However, the foundation actively works to match nonprofits with donor-advised funds and encourages organizations to reach out

Priority Areas

Based on 2024 grant distribution patterns:

  • Education (27% of grants): K-12 programs, literacy, STEAM education, after-school programming
  • Human Services (17%): Social services, food security, emergency assistance, family support
  • Capital Projects (17%): Infrastructure improvements, facility renovations, equipment purchases
  • Youth Development (13%): Recreation programs, mentoring, character building, life skills
  • Arts and Culture: Performing arts, visual arts, humanities programming for underserved populations
  • Health and Wellness: Healthcare access, mental health services, senior services
  • Animal Welfare: Rescue, shelter operations, spay/neuter programs, humane education
  • Community Development: Economic development, civic engagement, environmental conservation

What They Don't Fund

While specific exclusions are not extensively documented, typical community foundation restrictions apply:

  • Individuals (except through scholarship programs)
  • Political campaigns or lobbying activities
  • Religious programs for sectarian purposes
  • Debt reduction or operating deficits (generally)
  • Organizations that do not serve Orange, Sullivan, or Rockland County residents

Governance and Leadership

Key Leadership

Elizabeth Rowley, CFRE - President and CEO (since October 2015)

  • Previously served as CFOS Director of Development (2013-2015)
  • Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) since 2014
  • Graduate of Emerson College (Marketing Communications, 2004)
  • Leadership Orange graduate (2008)
  • Also serves as: President, Board of Directors of Safe Harbors of the Hudson; Board Member, Mid-Hudson Valley Association of Fundraising Professionals; Trustee, Orange Regional Medical Center Foundation; Board Member, Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation

Chris Corallo - Chairman of the Board (effective July 1, 2024)

  • Board member since 2012
  • Previously served as Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer
  • Chief Financial Officer at Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union

Rich Shapiro, Esq. - Former Board Chairman (2022-2024)

  • Dedicated board director since 2007

Marcia Jacobowitz, Esq. - Board Director (joined 2024)

Lisa Mitchell - Program Contact (lisa@cfosny.org)

The foundation is governed by an active Board of Directors that oversees strategic direction, fund management, and grant-making decisions.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

CFOS uses an online grants portal for competitive grant applications. Organizations must create a profile and submit applications through the portal at: grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfosnygrants

General Application Steps:

  1. Review grant program eligibility and priorities
  2. Create organization profile in the CFOS Grants Portal
  3. Complete online application during open application window
  4. Submit required attachments (varies by program, typically includes: IRS determination letter, organizational budget, project budget, board list)
  5. Await review and decision notification

Note: Many CFOS funds (donor-advised and designated) do not have a public application process. However, the foundation actively works to connect nonprofits with donor interests. Organizations are encouraged to reach out to discuss funding opportunities that may align with donor priorities.

Decision Timeline

Make a Difference Fund: Applications due July 31; awards announced by September (approximately 4-8 weeks)

Community Perspective Fund: Applications accepted October 20 – November 24; decision timeline not publicly specified but typically within 4-6 weeks

Hudson Valley Animal Shelter Fund: Applications typically open January; review and decisions occur winter/spring

General Timeline: For most competitive grant programs, expect 1-2 months from application deadline to award announcement.

Success Rates

CFOS does not publicly disclose detailed success rate statistics. However, the foundation distributed 54 grants in 2024 from its competitive funds, down from 63 in 2023, 89 in 2022, 107 in 2021, and 95 in 2020. The decreasing number of awards despite increasing total dollars suggests larger grant sizes rather than reduced generosity.

Reapplication Policy

Make a Difference Fund: Organizations that received a Make a Difference grant within one (1) year are not eligible to reapply. This means unsuccessful applicants can apply in the next annual cycle, but successful recipients must wait at least one year before reapplying.

Other Funds: Reapplication policies vary by fund. Contact the foundation directly for guidance on specific programs.

Application Success Factors

Evaluation Criteria (Make a Difference Fund)

Applications are evaluated based on three primary criteria:

  1. Impact: The program's ability to meaningfully serve disadvantaged populations through education, recreation, wellness, or arts and humanities programming
  2. Organizational Capacity: Track record of success and available resources to implement the proposed initiative
  3. Reach: Number of individuals served and the program's potential for long-term or community-wide benefit

Recent Successful Projects

2025 Make a Difference Grant Recipients:

  • STEAM Fund (Siegel Trust Enriching Arts & Music) - WCM Artist Workshop and Performance: A pilot program in partnership with Weekend of Chamber Music that brings professional chamber musicians to disadvantaged children in Sullivan County
  • Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre - Children's Creative and Educational Programs: Immersive hands-on performing and visual arts sessions for disadvantaged youth, including dance, music, storytelling, sensory-friendly film screenings, themed workshops, and community events

These examples demonstrate CFOS's interest in:

  • Partnerships and collaboration: Programs that leverage community resources and expertise
  • Hands-on, experiential learning: Active engagement rather than passive participation
  • Serving disadvantaged populations: Clear focus on reaching underserved children and families
  • Arts and humanities access: Expanding cultural opportunities for populations that typically lack access
  • Innovation: Pilot programs and new approaches to community challenges

Strategic Advice

From the Foundation's Approach:

  • CFOS "works hard to match nonprofits with donor-advised funds and welcomes interface with local organizations at any time"—don't hesitate to reach out even outside formal grant cycles
  • The foundation values relationship building and encourages ongoing communication with nonprofits
  • Strong emphasis on serving "disadvantaged" or "distressed" communities—applications should clearly articulate how the program reaches vulnerable populations
  • Geographic focus is important: ensure your program serves Orange, Sullivan, or Rockland County residents
  • Track record matters: demonstrating organizational capacity and past success strengthens applications
  • Measurable impact: be specific about number of individuals served and community-wide benefits

Common Success Patterns

Organizations successful with CFOS typically:

  • Clearly identify the vulnerable population being served
  • Demonstrate strong organizational capacity and financial stability
  • Show collaborative partnerships that extend program reach
  • Articulate specific, measurable outcomes
  • Connect programs to documented community needs
  • Align with the foundation's strategic priority areas (education, human services, youth development, arts access)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Start early and build relationships: CFOS welcomes year-round contact with nonprofits and actively works to connect organizations with donor funds. Don't wait for formal grant cycles to introduce your organization.

  • Target the right fund: With 450+ charitable funds under management, there may be donor-advised or designated funds aligned with your mission even if competitive grants aren't open. Contact Lisa Mitchell (lisa@cfosny.org) to explore possibilities.

  • Emphasize impact on disadvantaged populations: CFOS consistently prioritizes programs serving vulnerable children, families, seniors, and underserved communities. Clearly articulate who you serve and how your program addresses community need.

  • Demonstrate organizational capacity: With grants ranging from $1,000 to $100,000+, CFOS wants confidence you can deliver results. Highlight your track record, partnerships, and resources available for implementation.

  • One-year waiting period for Make a Difference grants: If you receive a Make a Difference grant, you cannot reapply for one year. Plan accordingly and consider rotating applications between different CFOS grant programs.

  • Geographic eligibility varies by program: Most programs serve Orange and Sullivan Counties, but some (like Community Perspective Fund and Make a Difference Fund) now include Rockland County, while animal welfare grants extend to six Hudson Valley counties. Verify eligibility carefully.

  • Modest grant amounts require realistic budgets: With many grants in the $1,000-$5,000 range, focus applications on specific, achievable project components rather than attempting to fund large-scale initiatives with a single CFOS grant.

References

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