Grants Overview
The Cloudsplitter Foundation’s primary focus is the greater Adirondack Region. We have three grant rounds per year (January 1st, May 1st and September 1st in 2025) in which we accept applications for grant funds. Cloudsplitter is interested in opportunities that have large local and regional community impact. Requests with a clear strategic purpose, that have financial leverage (e.g., attracting other funders) and that generate high environmental or community returns are considered our highest priority. Lowest priority will be given to grants seeking to build an endowment or reserves. Cloudsplitter will only accept one application, per applicant, per grant round. Exception applies if a nonprofit is acting as a fiscal sponsor on behalf of another grant applicant.
Types of Grants
Program/Project Support Grants
These grants are to support a well-defined project or program that has a defined need, budget, and associated supporting documentation. This type of grant also includes events. There is no upper limit on such grants, but they are generally limited to 20% of the project or program’s cost. “Last money in” grants can be as much as 30% of the project or program cost but 70% must be raised before the Foundation grant is payable.
Unrestricted Support Grants
These grants support a not-for-profit’s operating costs and not specific projects or programs. Eligible grantees must meet the Cloudsplitter Foundation’s strategic objectives. Unrestricted support grants are limited to $5,000 per year. These grants generally go to organizations that Cloudsplitter has an established relationship with. Unrestricted Support grants are considered during our regular grant rounds.
Rapid Response Grants
These off-cycle grants are reserved for special and urgent needs that cannot wait for the next planned grant cycle. These are limited to requested amounts below $5,000. To request such a Rapid Response grant for consideration contact our Grants Director, Chenelle Palyswiat for more information.
Childcare Excellence Awards
Childcare Excellence Awards of $2,000 are available for each step of a five-step childcare quality improvement program administered by QUALITYstarsNY.
Other Flexible Requests
Other Requests. Although Cloudsplitter has set the above grant awards, we can at times be flexible with creative requests and is willing to entertain other arrangements.
To request something outside of our traditional grants categories, please email our Executive Director, Daniel KieferBach at dan@cloudsplitter.org
Requesting Grants
Grant deadlines are January 1st, May 1st and September 1st. Grant requests must be received by 5pm on the day of the deadline to be considered in that cycle. Our Grants Committee meets in February, June and October to review and make decisions on applications. Once the Grants Committee has reviewed the applications, awards made will be disbursed within thirty days.
It is highly recommended that you submit applications (or requests) far in advance of the grant cycle deadline. Advanced notice will allow follow up questions from staff or site visits, both of which increase communication and understanding, which can lead to a greater chances of success.
If applying, please consider the following funding guidelines:
- Grant requests with a clear strategic purpose, have leverage (e.g., attracting other funders), and generate maximum environmental or community returns from the grant will be given the highest priority.
- Grant requests for capital campaigns will be regarded more favorably if they are a matching grant and the resulting structure or facility has a significant impact on the community.
- Grants are generally limited to no more than 20% of a project budget.
- Lowest priority will be given to grants seeking to build an endowment or reserves.
- Although the Cloudsplitter Foundation cannot give to for-profit businesses, we can support certain municipal redevelopment projects if through a local redevelopment corporation. Click here for more details.
Priority grants will:
- Have a clear strategic purpose, leverage (e.g., attracting other funders)
- Generate maximum environmental or community returns
- Help under-served populations and those with the greatest need
- Be collaborative (between organizations and/or government)
- Address the stresses on our local food supply, healthcare, childcare, and small businesses
In addition, for small annual gifts, mail solicitations are accepted from accredited local charities without special documentation.
Fiscal sponsors: we can accept grant requests from a 501c3 registered charity acting as a fiscal sponsor for a not-for-profit lacking 501c3 status. The ultimate grant recipient must be a legitimate charity and cannot be a for-profit entity
Recent News
Nonprofits are Irreplaceable (OpEd w/ Adirondack Foundation)
In the Adirondacks, nonprofits are not merely organizations—they are the bridges that span the gaps between our public…
New Board Chair takes the wheel
The Cloudsplitter board has elected its newest officers effective January 1, 2025. The new year will bring in…
CF Thanks Melissa Eisinger
As her term expires, the Cloudsplitter Foundation wishes to thank Melissa Eisinger for her many years of service…