The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan (CFOS) has launched the Orange and Sullivan Equity Fund, a grant initiative designed to support local nonprofits in their diversity and inclusion efforts. This fund was developed by CFOS’s Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion (DEAI) Committee to assist organizations serving underserved populations, with the goal of addressing social inequities and fostering inclusive communities in the region.

Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations with annual budgets under $1 million that serve specific communities, including Asian/Pacific Islander, Black, Indigenous, Latino, LGBTQIA+, refugee, and migrant populations. The fund can be used for a variety of initiatives, including training, educational programming, and other activities that promote equity and inclusion within these organizations. Applicants must have professional staff or a dedicated volunteer base to qualify.

The fund will distribute five grants of $1,000 each, with the potential for future growth based on community needs and feedback. CFOS encourages contributions to the fund and invites local nonprofits to apply. This initiative reflects CFOS’s commitment to equitable opportunities by offering resources to level the playing field for communities starting from different circumstances.

Applications are open until November 21, 2024, with recipients announced in December. Interested applicants can apply online at cfosny.org. For further details, Lisa Mitchell, Programs & Donor Services Coordinator, can be reached by phone at (845) 769-9393 or by email at lisa@cfosny.org.