1. A grant applicant must be a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization or have a tax-exempt fiscal sponsor.  An applicant applying under a fiscal sponsor will have additional application requirements.

 

2. An organization may apply for funding during one or both of Legacy Foundation’s fall and spring granting cycles but can receive funding only once per calendar year.

 

3. Grant award amounts are typically not more than $5,000.  For any grant request of $10,000 or more, the applicant must contact us before submitting an application.

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4. Legacy Foundation prefers to support programs, projects, and one-time capital needs.  This may include seed funding for new and innovative programs or projects.  The Foundation does not make grants for endowments, budget deficits, loan repayments, assistance to individuals, secondary grants, or operating costs such as ongoing salaries or overhead.

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5. Legacy Foundation should not be considered a continuous long-term source of funding for a specific program or project.  

 

6. Applicants must demonstrate how – if the funds provided by Legacy Foundation do not cover all the anticipated costs of the proposed program, project, or capital expenditure – they intend to raise the additional funds needed.

 

7. If the grant request is to support a new program or project, the applicant must convey how this program/project will continue beyond the funding received.

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8. Legacy Foundation prefers to support organizations located within Tompkins County. Programs, projects, or needs receiving grants must be for the benefit of Tompkins County residents.

 

9. Legacy Foundation may interpret these Guidelines flexibly and make exceptions to the Guidelines in an emergency, unforeseen, or otherwise extraordinary circumstances.