The Schenectady Foundation
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Click the links below to learn more, sign up for our newsletter, and donate. William H. In 1963, The Foundation made its first grant: $250 to the YMCA.
The Schenectady Foundation was created by community leaders as a charitable trust to benefit the health and well-being of people who live and work in Schenectady County, NY. Schenectady's Community Foundation -- Advancing the sustainable well-being of the people of Schenectady County. The Schenectady Foundation (TSF) was created by community leaders as a charitable trust to benefit the health and well-being of people who live and work in Schenectady County, NY. Milton, 3rd, a leader at Schenectady Trust Company, developed the idea for the Foundation. In 1962, with the bank’s support, he engaged the community’s leaders to establish The Schenectady Foundation. While a modest gift at that time (about $1,900 in today’s dollars), it was the first of many to come. Since its inception, TSF has granted close to $16 million in grants and scholarships for charitable programs in Schenectady County. The mission of The Schenectady Foundation is to advance the sustainable well-being of the people of Schenectady County. The Schenectady Foundation is the only community foundation exclusively serving Schenectady County. By developing a major endowment for our community, TSF is able to make significant grants that truly have an impact on our health and well-being. Over time TSF has supported more than 180 community organizations, and has provided a strong base of support for charitable projects both large and small. As a primarily volunteer-driven entity, TSF has minimal internal expenses relative to similar organizations. This means more of the income from contributed assets goes to support the community. Most assets are unrestricted by the donors, enabling TSF to make significant grants that address current community needs and issues. TSF identifies key issues on which to focus its grants. TSF has provided substantial support to programs in the fields of Health Care, Education, Maternal & Child Health, Child Care, Child Mental Health, Youth Achievement, and Arts, Civic and Cultural projects.In 2008, TSF adopted its strategic focus of Strengthening Families – building self-reliance, academic and life skills, and a stronger community -- and has granted more than $5 million to support Strengthening Families initiatives.
10/06/2026
Food insecurity takes more than one solution. Across Schenectady County, we’re supporting local pantries and programs, mobilizing resources through the Food Security Fund and investing in long-term strategies that strengthen food access for everyone.
Click the link in our bio to donate to the food-security fund: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/theschenectadyfoundation/
or text FOOD26 to 50155
Your gift can help put food on the table for neighbors across Schenectady County.
The Schenectady Foundation helps fund the Bread of Life Food Pantry at the Rotterdam Community Center, supporting their work to make sure individuals and families can access the food they need.
When you give to our Food Security Fund, you help strengthen organizations like this one that are responding to growing need every day.
Your support helps keep shelves stocked, expands access to food and gives local pantries more resources to serve their neighbors.
🍎 Help strengthen food security in Schenectady County. Donate today at the link: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/theschenectadyfoundation/ or text FOOD26 to 50155
09/21/2026
!Application period extened until October 2!
Rolling admissions beginning
🌟 Calling all Creative Changemakers! 🌟
Do you have a bright idea that could make a difference in your community?
The Creative Changemakers Circle is a leadership program for people age 16 and older who live, work, or serve in Schenectady County and are ready to bring their ideas to life.
Through hands-on workshops and support, participants will:
✨ Turn a vision into a clear action plan
✨ Build leadership skills and capacity to create change
✨ Connect with other changemakers and community leaders
✨ Identify resources & opportunities to move projects forward
✨ Share their projects with potential supporters
Have an idea? We want to hear it!
Learn more and apply today: bit.ly/CreativeChange2026
Know someone with a big idea? Please share this opportunity with them! 🌟
09/01/2026
Schenectady County potentially facing $8.3M in additional SNAP costs Schenectady County faces a looming increase in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) costs, asking the state and Congress to delay program changes.
09/01/2026
🌟 Calling all Creative Changemakers! 🌟
Do you have a bright idea that could make a difference in your community?
The Creative Changemakers Circle is a leadership program for people age 16 and older who live, work, or serve in Schenectady County and are ready to bring their ideas to life.
Through hands-on workshops and support, participants will:
✨ Turn a vision into a clear action plan
✨ Build leadership skills and capacity to create change
✨ Connect with other changemakers and community leaders
✨ Identify resources & opportunities to move projects forward
✨ Share their projects with potential supporters
Have an idea? We want to hear it!
Learn more and apply today: bit.ly/CreativeChange2026
Know someone with a big idea? Please share this opportunity with them! 🌟
08/31/2026
Reminder: The Equitable Access to Healthy Food Grant Process is open 🔔
We are seeking a handful of projects that drive systemic and collaborative change to address the root causes of food insecurity, not just the symptoms 🌱
Concept Proposals are due THIS Friday, September 4th.
Make sure to check out our website and grants page for more information here:
https://www.schenectadyfoundation.org/page/grants-3.html
08/26/2026
The Schenectady Foundation has been a proud supporter of Porchfest Schenectady since it's inception in 2023.
Porchfest Schenectady turns front lawns and porches into stages, without a ticket price standing between the music and the community.
When you give to The Arts Fund for Schenectady, you're supporting programs like Porchfest. Your donation not only funds an event — it funds everyday, accessible moments that make Schenectady worth living in.
Click the link here to donate: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/theschenectadyfoundation/ OR give directly by texting ARTS26 to 50155.
We hope you can join us for this year's Porchfest!
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
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Address
251 State Street Suite 202
Schenectady, NY
12305
Opening Hours
| Monday | 9am - 5pm |
| Tuesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 5pm |
| Friday | 9am - 5pm |
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