FAQs

The online application portal is accessible whenever a Grant Cycle is open. All applications and supplemental information must be submitted through the online portal.

There are multiple requirements applicants must meet to be eligible to apply for a grant. They include:

1. Must be recognized as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code as attested by a letter from the IRS.

2. Must be based in, or serve the people and animals of, Columbia County, New York, United States of America.

3. Additional documentation, as further described in the Grant Application, is also required.

In some instances, we allow organizations that are not a registered 501(c)3 to apply for grants using a Fiscal Agent that does hold such a designation. Special requirements apply (see Fiscal Agent questions below).

Yes, you are welcome to apply annually. If you have previously received an award, your Evaluation Report must be received prior to applying for another grant. If you previously applied, but were not awarded a grant, you are eligible to apply again.

StsSStarting with the 2025 Grant Cycle, awards of up to $5,000.00 may be granted.

The 2025 Grant Cycle will open on March 15, 2025. Completed applications and all required documentation are due by May 5, 2025. Applications are only accepted via the online application portal.

Notification of the Grant Cycle will be posted on our website and Facebook page. Deadlines for submission, ability to submit any additional or missing materials, and Grant determination notifications will also be announced at that time.

Yes. If you would like to be notified when the next Grant Program opens for applications, please email us at info@theackermanfoundation.org and you will be placed on a notification list.

The following information is required:

Background

  1. A brief description of your organization’s history, mission, and purpose.
  2. The need or problem that your organization works to address, and the community that your agency serves, including geographic location, income levels, age, gender, race/ethnicity, physical ability, and language.
  3. Current programs and accomplishments, emphasizing achievements of the recent past.
  4. Number of paid full-time and part-time staff, and number of volunteers.
  5. Other organizations, if any, with which you collaborate to meet the same needs or provide similar service.

Proposal Summary

  1. Why you are seeking the grant. 
  2. What the funds will be used for.
  3. Immediate impacts expected to be enabled due to the grant. 
  4. The outcomes you hope to achieve with the program funded by the grant. 
  5. How you plan to measure successes of the grant-funded program. 
  6. How long will it take to implement the program. 

Prior Funding

  1. If your organization was previously supported by the Ackerman Foundation, you will need to submit your Evaluation Report prior to being eligible to apply for another grant.

Attachments/Supplemental Information

  1. Current approved organizational budget and operating statements for your organization.
  2. Current budget for the program seeking grant funding, including line items for paid staff and approximate time to be spent on the program.
  3. Proof of 501(c)3 status or Fiscal Agent agreement.
  4. Names and affiliations of your board members and paid staff members.
  5. Provide funding sources and other grants, actual and prospective, for this program, including grantor name and amount.
  6. A list of sources of organizational income, with amounts, for your current fiscal year.
  7. Optional: Promotional materials, news articles, portfolio, client testimonies, etc.

We ask for names and affiliations (connections) of board members and paid staff. If board members or paid staff are affiliated with any other organizations or employers, then we ask that you note/disclose that information. For example, do any board members or paid employees represent, work for, or volunteer with, another entity besides your own organization? Do they hold any leadership roles with other entities?

A Fiscal Agent is a separate, legal entity that is an established 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. The Fiscal Agent agrees to accept and distribute funds for a non-profit, as well as provides administrative and financial management services to another non-profit on a contractual basis.

If you use a Fiscal Agent, you must provide a copy of the Fiscal Agreement (Memorandum of Understanding, MOU) you have in place. As your sponsor, your Fiscal Agent needs to describe how they will oversee the project. They will also be required to submit their organizational budget and operating statements, along with a list of board members, paid staff, and their affiliations.

Yes. You are required to provide an Evaluation Report to the Ackerman Foundation at the end of your project or program or within one year of grant issuance, whichever is soonest. An Evaluation Report must be submitted prior to applying for another grant.

Yes. The Evaluation Report is an online form that organizations will submit upon the completion of their project/program or within one year of receiving the grant award, whichever is soonest.

The Ackerman Foundation evaluates applications based on appropriateness to our stated grant guidelines, assessment of need, likelihood of significant impact, and importance to the community served. The applicant’s board and organizational strength are also considered.

Feel free to contact us at info@theackermanfoundation.org if you have any additional questions, concerns, or comments.

Yes. Charitable donations of any amount are always welcome.

Checks may be made payable to The Ackerman Foundation, Inc., and mailed to:

The Ackerman Foundation, Inc.
Attn: Matt Mackerer, Treasurer
c/o Karp, Ackerman, Small, & Hogan, CPAs PC
One Hudson City Centre
Suite 1E
Hudson, NY 12534

Please include your mailing address on your check. A tax receipt will be mailed to the address provided.

The Ackerman Foundation is a recognized tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. Our Tax Identification Number is 87-3473711. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please consult with your tax advisor.

We appreciate feedback. Please share your thoughts, opinions, and ideas with us at info@theackermanfoundation.org.
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