The Foundation supports programs and projects in the areas of health, education, recreation, human and social services, aging, and the arts in Tompkins County. Support is also given to requests for capital expenditures and "seed" money for new or innovative projects or programs.
Grants are restricted to charitable and philanthropic activities within Tompkins County and are not made for on-going operating budgets, endowments, for sectarian purposes or for loans or assistance to individuals. All grant requests are carefully screened to ensure that the grants distributed make maximum use of Legacy Foundation funds.

The procedure to apply for a grant:
1. All grant applicants must be within Tompkins County and be from a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization.
2. Requests should be for a particular program or project, for a specific amount over a particular span of time.
3. In general, the Foundation does not make grants for on-going operating expenses, budget deficits, endowments, for sectarian purposes, or for loans or assistance to individuals.
4. Grant requests will be considered at the Foundation's spring and fall meetings. Deadline dates for submittal of your request are April 15th for the spring and September 15th for the fall.
5. A request for a grant should be initiated by an application in writing on the organization's letterhead. The following information should be included:

• A brief description of the organization, its corporate or other legal title, the name, address and telephone number of the person with whom the Foundation should communicate for information.
• A recent financial statement or report of the organization.
• The names of the members of the governing body and officers.
• Copy of the Internal Revenue Service letter stating the organization is tax-exempt.
• A concise statement describing the grant requested and its significance to the community.
• Describe efforts that have been made, or will be made, to obtain funds from other sources.


For further information, contact:

Legacy Foundation of Tompkins County
P.O. Box 97
Ithaca, NY 14851


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