The Spark of Hudson - in partnership with the Eutopia Foundation - is dedicated to nurturing learning, advancing community development, and catalyzing positive transformation within our communities. Our grant program is an instrumental avenue to realizing these aspirations, offering essential support to initiatives and organizations that resonate with our mission and objectives.
Empowering Change Through Grants
Information for Applicants
Grant Categories
Community Support Grants (up to $5,000): These are reviewed on a monthly basis.
Impact Grants ($5,000 and above): These undergo a quarterly review.
Grant Evaluation Criteria
Guided by our Vision and Mission
Our grant evaluation process reflects our commitment to endorse projects that mirror The Spark’s vision and mission. We prioritize initiatives addressing pivotal community needs, aiming to spearhead positive change both locally and globally. The ten criteria below were created with our vision and mission as our guiding light.
Mission Alignment
Projects should demonstrate a strong alignment with The Spark's mission, addressing urgent community needs and contributing to our foundational goals.
We Evaluate Grants Based on the Following Criteria
Innovation
Innovative and creative approaches in addressing community needs are crucial, including the incorporation of new methods, partnerships, and collaborations.
Community Learning
Proposals should incorporate elements of community learning and knowledge exchange among stakeholders and participants.
Diversity and Inclusion
Initiatives must demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity, addressing the needs of marginalized populations with focus and sensitivity.
Impact
A project’s potential community impact is rigorously assessed, focusing on beneficiary reach and the longevity of the proposed changes.
Sustainability
Consideration is given to the longevity and continued impact of the project beyond the initial funding period.
Track Record
A history of successful project execution and organizational reliability is essential.
Feasibility
It is vital that proposed projects are realistic and attainable, with clear project plans and plausible timelines.
Community Involvement
We value projects that emphasize community participation in both decision-making and implementation, leading to more successful outcomes.
Collaboration
Collaborative efforts with diverse stakeholders and community partners are highly valued for their potential for collective impact.
Our Commitment:
Through our grant program, we strive to identify and bolster projects with the capability to affect lasting, substantive change in our community. By aligning with our mission and emphasizing impact, innovation, collaboration, and community engagement, we empower organizations to manifest transformative shifts in their communities, addressing critical needs and fostering an environment of learning and growth.
By investing in these initiatives, The Spark of Hudson aims to be a catalyst for enduring positive change and community enrichment, fostering a sense of unity, learning, and shared progress.
How to Apply:
For Community Support Grants (up to $5,000) please fill out this application.
For Impact Grants ($5,000 and above), please download the application instructions and send a completed application to hello@sparkofhudson.org. An optional letter of interest can be emailed first to assess funding fit. You must be a nonprofit or have a nonprofit fiscal sponsor to apply.
Thank you for your interest in The Spark of Hudson's grant program. Together, we can ignite a wave of positive change and transformative development within our communities
Grant Evaluation Timeline:
Community Support Grants (up to $5,000) are evaluated monthly.
Impact Grants ($5,000 and above) are evaluated quarterly on the following dates:
December 11th, 2023
March 11th, 2024
June 10th, 2024
September 9th, 2024
December 9th, 2024
Please submit your grants accordingly, allowing for enough time for review before the kickoff of your program or event.
