2025 Library Grant Cycle
Application Deadline: January 31, 2025.
Grant Range: $500-$16,000
2025 cycle will open December 20, 2024.
Library Grant Cycle applicants can register and access applications and reports through GLM, our new online grant management platform.
Click button below for guidelines.
This grant cycle was inspired by the Bernard Carl and Shirley Rosen Library Fund which seeks to promote genuine intellectual curiosity and a lifelong love of reading and learning, by promoting greater and easier access by youth to local libraries. Eligible applicants are the 33 public libraries in Cayuga, Cortland, Seneca, Tioga and Tompkins counties, the 5 counties of the Finger Lakes Library System.
GUIDELINES
Off-Cycle Funding Requests
Application Deadline: restarting again in 2025, available only during times when another cycle is not active, by invitation only after consultation with staff
We are restarting our off-cycle funding requests for 2025. Off-cycle grants are those submitted outside the regular grant application cycles due to urgent or unforeseen needs. This process is designed to ensure that urgent needs can be addressed promptly while maintaining transparency and accountability in our grantmaking activities. Most off-cycle requests in 2025, if approved, will be funded from donor advised funds.
Eligibility Criteria
1. Urgency: The request must address an immediate, unforeseen need or opportunity that cannot wait until the next regular grant cycle.
2. Alignment with Mission: The request must align with the foundation’s mission and funding priorities.
3. Financial Need: The requesting organization must demonstrate a clear financial need and inability to defer the request until the next grant cycle.
Submission Process
1. Initial Inquiry:
o Interested applicants should first contact foundation staff to discuss the nature and urgency of the request. Please contact Gloria Coicou, Chief Engagement, Equity & Grants Officer, at gcoicou@cftompkins.org
o Staff will provide preliminary feedback on eligibility and process.
2. Application Submission:
o Eligible applicants will be provided with a private off-cycle grant request link to an online application.
o Applicants must complete the application, providing detailed information on the need, proposed use of funds, expected outcomes, and alignment with the foundation’s mission.
o Include all required supporting documentation, such as budgets, financial statements, and proof of urgent need.
3. Submission Deadline:
o Off-cycle requests can be submitted at any time but must clearly justify why they cannot wait until the next regular grant cycle.
o Submit the completed application and supporting documents through our online portal.
o Requests will be processed and answered within 30 days.
Resiliency Through Healing Grant Cycle
Application Deadline: May 14, 2025
Eligible applicants include 501 (c)(3) organizations, school districts, municipalities, and faith communities (only for programs available to all). Prospective applicants not in these organizational forms may secure a fiscal sponsorship relationship from an entity in these categories to become eligible. Eligibility is limited to those organizations serving the greater Tompkins County, NY communities.
Each grant cycle application is reviewed by a community-represented review team that will provide feedback for the applicant. All grant cycle grants will require a written report at the end of the grant period.
Grant Range: $500-$10,000, depending on number of applications received
GRANT CYCLE GUIDELINES
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
As we prepare to step into the new year, we are thrilled to announce our 2025 grant cycle, Resiliency through Healing. This theme reflects our commitment to uplifting initiatives that foster recovery, growth, and strength within our communities.
The decision to cancel our fall 2024 grant cycle was not made lightly. We understand the disappointment it may have caused, and we want to assure you that every step we take is guided by careful intention and collaboration. Our staff and committees work together thoughtfully to ensure that each decision aligns with our mission to serve the community effectively and equitably.
This year, we’ve intentionally chosen a grant cycle timeline that avoids overlapping with other funding opportunities. We hope this approach will ease the burden on applicants, allowing them to focus fully on their application without the added stress of juggling multiple deadlines.
As funders, we are deeply aware of the inherent power imbalance in the funder-grantee relationship. We take this responsibility seriously and strive to approach our work with humility and respect. Building trust and fostering transparent, equitable relationships are central to our values.
We look forward to reconnecting with you during this grant cycle. Together, we can continue to support the resilience and healing that is vital to the success of our communities.
Thank you for your patience, your trust, and your commitment to making a difference.
Grant Range: $500-$12,000
Application opens April 9, 2025
Application due May 14, 2025
