NON-PROFITS CAN APPLY DIRECTLY AT THEACKERMANFOUNDATION.ORG
CLAVERACK, NY—The Ackerman Foundation opens its 2026 grant application cycle on March 15, 2026. Last year, the Foundation awarded $100,000 to 40 non-profits, 14 of them first-time applicants. Grants were made to several categories of applicants, all supporting programs intended to improve the resources available to residents, families, and animals across Columbia County.
The grant award ceiling is currently $5,000 per non-profit organization.
Last year’s awards primarily supported arts and entertainment activities; education and youth programs; libraries and municipal non-profits; and support for food security, housing, and other forms of civic and animal well-being.
The limited application period closes on May 5 with grant awards announced July 1.
A portal on the Foundation’s website, theackermanfoundation.org, allows qualified non-profits to complete and submit applications for program funding directly via an online form. Supplemental information can be uploaded by easily attaching reports using common office software such as Word, Excel, and documents in PDF and JPEG formats.
A Frequently Asked Questions section on the website provides definitions and details on the Foundation’s policies, addressing most common questions.
Since the Foundation began its operations in 2022, it has funded over $200,000 in grants to community organizations serving the people and animals of Columbia County.
The various organizations the Foundation has supported, along with links to their websites, can be found at theackermanfoundation.org/past-recipients. Visit the Foundation’s Press Releases page for descriptions of the purposes of past programs receiving funding.
Applications are evaluated based on appropriateness to grant guidelines, assessment of need, likelihood of significant impact, and importance to the community-at-large. The applicant’s board and organizational strength are also considered, as is the degree of volunteer involvement.
Successful grantees are expected to provide a report on the effectiveness of the activities funded by the grant.
The Foundation’s activities honor the life and work of long-time local businessman David M. Ackerman, who established the Foundation shortly before his death in January 2022.
For questions or more information, please visit theackermanfoundation.org or email info@theackermanfoundation.org.
