The Frances L. & Edwin L. Cummings Memorial Fund primarily supports non-profit organizations operating in New York City and Northeastern New Jersey that focus on social welfare, education, and health. The Fund places a special emphasis on youth programs within these geographic areas. However, it does not provide support for cultural arts initiatives. Organizations must be based in New York City or five counties in Northeastern New Jersey (Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic, and Union) to be eligible for consideration, although exceptions can be made if a Co-Trustee or Advisory Board Member has personal knowledge of a program outside of these regions.

The Fund is particularly interested in innovative or new program development, especially when it comes to addressing unmet needs in underserved communities. It funds various activities such as new program creation, program expansion, staff training, technical assistance, and consulting services to help with strategic planning. Priority areas include social welfare, with an emphasis on issues like child welfare, youth development, housing, homelessness, juvenile delinquency, and job training. In education, the Fund supports efforts to reform public education, particularly for disadvantaged students, and provides funding for STEM initiatives, literacy programs, teacher training, and college access efforts. In healthcare, the Fund seeks to connect disadvantaged populations with necessary healthcare and mental health services.

There are strict geographic and programmatic restrictions attached to the grants. Organizations must operate within the designated areas of New York City and Northeastern New Jersey, and the Fund generally avoids funding programs outside these regions unless special exceptions are made by a Co-Trustee. Additionally, The Cummings Fund has a list of areas it does not fund, which includes advocacy, public policy, capital campaigns, faith-based initiatives, and sports-focused youth development programs. Organizations without 501(c)(3) status or audited financial statements, as well as those undergoing leadership transitions, are also excluded from funding consideration.

Grants are typically awarded for a one-year term, and organizations may receive up to two consecutive grants for the same project. However, organizations that have already received funding must wait until their current grant cycle is complete before applying for new funds. For example, if an organization receives a grant in Spring 2024, it will not be eligible to apply for additional funding until Fall 2025.

This fund is ideal for non-profits developing innovative projects or expanding successful programs in the realms of youth development, public education reform, or healthcare access for disadvantaged populations. Potential applicants should carefully review the Cummings Fund's detailed restrictions and ensure that their program aligns with the Fund’s areas of interest before submitting a proposal.