MONTGOMERY – The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan (CFOS) is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the 2025 Make a Difference Grants. This year, the Foundation is expanding the impact of the fund to support nonprofit organizations offering arts and humanities programming that enrich the lives of disadvantaged children and elderly individuals in Orange, Sullivan and Rockland Counties. 

Focus on Arts and Humanities for Vulnerable Populations

Since its inception in 2003, the Make a Difference Fund has addressed a variety of pressing needs throughout the region, from education to wellness to essentials. For the 2025 grant cycle, CFOS is shining a light on the transformative power of the arts, prioritizing programs that provide meaningful cultural, creative, and educational experiences for children and seniors who might not otherwise have access. 

“We believe in the ability of the arts to foster connection, creativity, and healing,” said Elizabeth Rowley, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan. “This year’s Make a Difference Grants will support organizations that are using the arts and humanities as a bridge to bring joy, enrichment, and equity to those who need it most.” 

Grant Details

Grants of up to $5,000 per county will be awarded to qualified nonprofit organizations located in Orange, Sullivan, or Rockland Counties. 

Application Process and Timeline

Applications are available online at cfosny.org and must be submitted by July 31, 2025. Awards will be announced by  September. 

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

•  Be a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization

•  Be based in Orange, Sullivan, or Rockland County

•   Have an annual operating budget of $2 million or less

•  Deliver arts and humanities programming that directly benefits underserved youth and/or seniors 

Review Criteria

Applications will be evaluated on:

• Mission Alignment: How well the project supports the purpose of the Make a Difference Fund

• Impact: The program’s ability to meaningfully serve disadvantaged populations through the arts and humanities

• Organizational Capacity: Track record of success and resources to implement the proposed initiative

•  Reach: Number of individuals served and the program’s potential for long-term or community-wide benefit 

What We Do Not Fund

The Make a Difference Fund does not provide support for:

•  Endowment funds

• Organizations that received a Make a Difference grant in the past 12 months

•  Political or legislative activities

• Academic or medical research

• Private or religious education (unless addressing a broad community need)

• Projects completed or already in progress

•  Fundraising events, benefit tickets, or advertising

• Replacement of government or public funding (except bridge funding)

• Scholarships for higher education

•  Employee compensation

 For additional information, contact Lisa Mitchell at (845) 769-9393 or email lisa@cfosny.org.