The Adirondack Foundation Generous Acts Grant

The Generous Acts grant program is administered by the Adirondack Foundation, a community-based philanthropic organization dedicated to supporting the diverse and evolving needs of the Adirondack region in New York. Backed by local donors who are committed to creating positive change, Generous Acts is designed to address pressing community needs while advancing equity, resilience, and regional vitality. This annual grant program focuses on three priority areas: Basic Needs, Educational Pathways, and Economic Vitality. The Basic Needs category emphasizes ensuring equitable access to essential services for individuals and families of all ages. This includes emergency relief, support networks such as child care and home health aides, and initiatives promoting financial literacy. The Educational Pathways category supports early childhood development, cradle-to-career learning systems, and efforts to build life skills and career readiness. The Economic Vitality category is geared toward supporting community-driven projects that foster workforce development, business sustainability, and local economic resilience. Applicants may request funding for both programmatic work and operational capacity, including staffing, training, equipment, or technology upgrades. While there is flexibility in the use of funds, capital campaigns, regranting efforts, tuition assistance, and one-time events are generally not funded. Grants range from $2,500 to $7,500 for smaller projects and from $10,000 to $30,000 for larger, transformative efforts. The funding is single-year and competitive, with a strong emphasis on collaborative approaches and addressing disparities. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and schools located in or serving communities within the Adirondack Park boundary. This includes Clinton, Essex, Franklin, and Hamilton counties, as well as parts of Herkimer, St. Lawrence, Saratoga, Warren, and Washington counties. All applicants must pass a due diligence check and be in good standing. Organizations may apply for operational or program-specific support and are encouraged to use narrative sections to describe anticipated impacts and sustainability plans, especially for new positions. The application cycle for the 2026 round will open on December 10, 2025. Final decisions and grant announcements are expected by the end of March 2026. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with priority areas, demonstrated need, organizational capacity, and the clarity and feasibility of expected outcomes. The review process is carried out by a combination of trustees, staff, and community advisors. Additional information may be requested during the evaluation. Interested applicants with questions are encouraged to contact Leslee Mounger, Funds and Program Officer, at 518-523-9904 or via email at leslee@adkcommunityfoundation.org. The foundation promotes a whole-community approach and seeks to invest in efforts that uplift underserved populations and promote long-term positive change across the region.

Highlight alignment with priority areas, community buy-in, clear need, and measurable outcomes; emphasize collaborative efforts.