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Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley

Annual Giving
$0.5M
Grant Range
$1K - $0.0M
Decision Time
4mo

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $542,000+ (2025 grant cycle)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: 3-5 months
  • Grant Range: $1,000 - $20,000
  • Geographic Focus: Dutchess, Putnam, and Ulster Counties, NY

Contact Details

Overview

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) is a regional community foundation managing over $100 million in assets through nearly 600 charitable funds. Since 2000, CFHV has distributed more than $777 million in grants and scholarships throughout the Hudson Valley region. The foundation serves as a philanthropic partner for individuals, families, businesses, and organizations seeking to strengthen their communities. Their mission focuses on establishing charitable legacies, making strategic grants, and providing leadership to address community needs in a responsible, responsive, and lasting manner. In 2025, CFHV achieved its largest grant cycle ever, awarding $542,000 in "Changemaker Funding" to nonprofits across three counties.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • Community Grants: $1,000 - $5,000 (general community support)
  • Field Trip Grants: $2,000 - $5,000 (educational field trips)
  • Fund for Excellence in Education: $5,000 - $10,000 (educational initiatives)
  • Dutchess After-School Program Grant: $5,000 - $15,000 (after-school programs)
  • Nuvance Health Taconic IPA Science Education Grants: $2,500 - $10,000 (science education)
  • Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation Grants: $2,000 - $5,000 (breast cancer support)
  • Ulster County Food Security Grant: $5,000 - $20,000 (food security initiatives)
  • Specialized Fund Grants: Varies (donor-directed funds with specific focus areas)

Applications open July 1, 2025, with deadlines typically between August-December depending on the program.

Priority Areas

  • Arts & Culture
  • Education and Youth Development
  • Environmental Sustainability
  • Food Security and Access
  • Community Improvement and Development
  • Animal Welfare
  • Health and Human Services

What They Don't Fund

Information not publicly available on website

Governance and Leadership

CFHV is governed by a Board of Trustees comprising local leaders in business, philanthropy, and community affairs. The foundation's professional staff provides guidance to donors on charitable giving strategies and works with nonprofits to maximize community impact. Specific board member names and leadership quotes were not available in the public-facing materials.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

  • Online application through Grant Interface portal
  • Working copies available in Word document format for preparation
  • Most grant applications open July 1, 2025
  • Specific guidelines and requirements vary by grant program
  • Multi-year funding available for select programs

Decision Timeline

  • Most award notifications occur in December
  • Some programs notify applicants in late January/early February
  • Typical timeline from application to decision: 3-5 months

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed

Reapplication Policy

Information not publicly available

Application Success Factors

Based on CFHV's funding patterns and priorities:

  • Strong alignment with geographic focus (Dutchess, Putnam, Ulster Counties)
  • Clear demonstration of community impact
  • Projects addressing current community challenges (food insecurity, education, housing)
  • Collaborative approaches and partnerships
  • Evidence-based programs with measurable outcomes
  • Organizations serving underrepresented communities

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • CFHV represents one of the largest philanthropic resources in the Hudson Valley with over $100 million in assets
  • Multiple grant programs available with varying focus areas and funding levels
  • Strong emphasis on local impact within three-county service area
  • Applications open simultaneously on July 1 for most programs, allowing for strategic multiple applications
  • Foundation prioritizes "Changemaker" initiatives that address systemic community challenges
  • Multi-year funding options available for sustained impact
  • Online application platform streamlines submission process

References

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