Montgomery, NY – The Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan and Rockland (CFOSR) has announced that applications are now being accepted for its 2026 Community Perspective Fund grant program. The initiative will provide financial assistance to nonprofit organizations working to strengthen community relationships, improve access to resources and promote understanding among residents throughout the three-county region.
Applications will be accepted through Monday, November 23, 2026. The foundation plans to award up to five grants of $1,000 each, representing a total of $5,000 in available funding.
Established in 2024, the Community Perspective Fund was created to collect charitable donations and distribute financial support to organizations addressing barriers to participation and opportunities within their communities.
The program serves nonprofit organizations operating in or providing services to Orange, Sullivan and Rockland counties. Eligible organizations must have annual operating budgets of $1 million or less and qualify as tax-exempt nonprofits under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or operate through an eligible fiscal sponsor.
The fund supports organizations serving a variety of populations, including Asian and Pacific Islander, Black, Indigenous, Latino, LGBTQIA+, refugee, migrant and other underserved communities.
Grant recipients may use the funding for professional training, educational programs, program development and other activities intended to improve access to services, strengthen community connections and increase opportunities for participation.
According to the foundation, the program is intended to help organizations develop initiatives that respond to community needs and bring residents together.
“Strong communities are built when people feel welcomed, understood and connected to the resources and opportunities around them,” said Elizabeth Rowley, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan and Rockland.
“The Community Perspective Fund supports organizations doing this important work every day, helping create spaces where people can connect, feel a sense of belonging and thrive.”
Previous recipients of Community Perspective Fund grants have represented a variety of charitable programs and community initiatives.
Among those previously supported were the Newburgh Urban Farm and Food Initiative, which operated a Fresh Nutritious Food Distribution Program, and Leadership Orange, which developed a program called Building Belonging and Equity Through Leadership.
Other recipients included the EC Media Group Foundation for its Media Production Internships program and Tusten Social for its Teen Youth Club.
The Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre received funding for REEL PERSPECTIVES: Diverse Voices, Shared Stories, while The Black Library received support for its 2025 Annual Fashion Show.
These programs represent some of the activities supported by the fund since its establishment.
For the 2026 application cycle, the foundation will give priority consideration to organizations that have not received Community Perspective Fund grants during the previous two years. However, organizations that received funding within that period remain eligible to apply.
The foundation has also established restrictions on how grant money may be used.
Funding cannot be directed toward endowment funds, academic or medical research, higher education scholarships, employee compensation or projects completed before the grant award date.
Grants also cannot support projects intended to influence specific legislation or election campaigns.
Additional restrictions include fundraising events, benefit tickets, courtesy advertising and the replacement of government or other public funding. An exception may be made for grants intended to bridge a temporary funding gap before anticipated financial support becomes available.
Private educational institutions and religious organizations are generally excluded, except when the proposed programs address broader community needs.
Organizations interested in applying must submit their applications through the foundation’s online grant system.
Applications are available at:
https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfosnygrants
The Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan and Rockland was established in 1999 and is headquartered in Montgomery, New York.
The organization works with individuals, businesses and charitable organizations to establish and administer funds supporting community programs, nonprofit organizations and scholarship opportunities.
Since its establishment, the foundation and its donors have awarded more than $46 million in grants and scholarships.
CFOSR currently administers approximately 630 active charitable funds representing $74.5 million in assets. These funds support a variety of causes, including animal welfare, arts and culture, education, environmental programs, health and human services, recreation and youth development.
Additional information about the Community Perspective Fund, application requirements and the foundation’s other charitable programs is available at https://cfosrny.org.
Organizations seeking additional information may contact Skylar Strauss, Communications and Administrative Associate, at (845) 769-9393 or skylar@cfosrny.org.