The Adirondack Foundation is now accepting applications for grants from its Generous Acts Fund.

“In its first year of grant-making, the Generous Acts Fund awarded 31 grants ranging from $250 to $10,000 to organizations that support communities in the Adirondack region,” Cali Brooks, president and CEO of Adirondack Foundation said in an announcement sent to the press. “Pressing needs abound throughout our unique region. The caring people who are pooling their gifts in this fund are investing in our communities, building the power of generosity to make a meaningful difference here.”

In 2016, grants will range in size from $1,000 to $2,500, an announcement said, with a limited number of grants totaling as much as $10,000. Generous Acts grants are single-year and highly competitive. Adirondack Foundation is expected to give greatest weight to applications that address the following community challenges and opportunities:

• Healthy seniors: The Foundation supports organizations that provide healthy lifestyle options for active retirees as well as elder care. Qualifying applications will address quality of life for senior citizens through community wellness, recreation, transportation, aging in place empowerment programs, home and community based services, and strategies that relieve isolation and loneliness.
• Nonprofit support: The Foundation has a long history of supporting local organizations that wish to build and strengthen their operations. Applications may include facilitation for strategic planning, sending staff and board to training, purchasing a piece of equipment, funding for feasibility studies, and more.
• Early education:  Applications will support the vision of our Adirondack Birth to Three Alliance—that all young children are healthy, learning, and thriving in families that are supported by a full complement of services and resources essential for successful development. The Foundation supports programs that promote literacy, school readiness, and enhanced educational experiences. Childhood nutrition, parental support, and continued learning are of interest as well.

The Foundation is also expected to review applications that fill an unusual and pressing opportunity or need that does not appear in these guidelines. This program does not fund capital campaigns.

The deadline to apply is 5 pm, February 15, 2016. Applications must be submitted online at adirondackfoundation.org through the Online Grants Manager.

To learn more about the application process, contact Program Officer Andrea Grout at (518) 523-9904 or andrea@adkfoundation.org.

For more information about Adirondack Foundation, visit adirondackfoundation.org.

Photo: Indian Lake Theater received a Generous Acts grant in 2015 to underwrite the use of the theater for public benefit and to improve back office technology at the Hamilton County nonprofit.