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We’re excited for you to apply for grant funding to support your project! Our grants are issued after a multi-step process. This page is a hub for the information and resources to help you prepare your application.

Kingston Common Futures strives to offer a process that is transparent and accessible. If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, check out our FAQs or stop by one of our EVENTS!

What We Offer

Grant Funding

We facilitate and manage the distribution of seed funding to projects and community initiatives that build or steward the common good in Kingston. 

Grants range from $5K – $50K.

Kingston Common Futures anticipates awarding grants in two categories: 

  • Large grants:  $10,000-$50,000:  2-10 grants available totaling $100,000
  • Small grants:  $5,000-$10,000:  5-10 grants available totaling $50,000

SUPPORT + NETWORK

We organize a network of volunteers and mentors to provide an accessible and supportive process for funding applicants, that allows us to build stronger relationships, identify opportunities for collaboration, and model care.

Fund Focus & Eligibility

Community Building + Community Benefit

Demonstrate a true commitment to building community and the commons while sparking  community participation. There are many ways projects can offer community benefit! For example, we want to see projects that:
  • uplift cultural diversity 
  • support racial justice and social equity
  • advance ecological repair

Access to Resources

Positively impact people and communities who historically have not had access to resources. This includes people of color, indigenous folks, immigrants, low-income folks, women, and LGBTQIA+ folks. This will help democratize our community, wealth, and work.

Local Spending

Show in their budget that spending will stay in the local economy by paying people based here, and/or paying local businesses for goods or services that will build the project. This helps us relocalize economic power together.

Application Process & Key Dates

The application process has three stages:

Letter of Intent

March 20 – May 1, 2025 
Submissions open

May 16, 2025
Review complete and
decisions delivered

Full Application

May 16 – June 20, 2025  
Applications open

July 11, 2025
Application review complete;
25 finalists announced

Finalist Review

July 11 – August 1, 2025
Jury reviews finalist applications
Jury interviews each finalist
Jury makes funding decisions

Funding decisions will be announced early August. Funds will be distributed in August and September, 2025.

At each stage, we will ask for more information about projects to determine eligibility and readiness.  If your project does not move forward at any stage, Kingston Common Futures will try to support its development by offering feedback and connecting applicants to networks that provide additional support or resources. For additional information on the full process, see How It Works.

Applicant Resources & Support

Kingston Common Futures strives to facilitate an accessible and equitable grant application process for folks who may not have experience applying for funding.  

Here are the questions applicants will be asked over this process, and the forms decision-makers will use to assess applications.  We want you to know what decision-makers are looking for!

*Stay tuned for more info on finalized interview info and jury decision-making guide

Kingston Common Futures is committed to providing support for applicants through events, mentorship, and transparency.

  • Events: We will host info sessions and application mixers where folks can ask questions, cross-pollinate, and receive 1 on 1 support.  Check out our Upcoming Events.
  • Mentorship:  Kingston Common Futures is building a network of volunteer mentors who have skills to offer:  translation, dictation, budgeting experience, project management experience, and enthusiasm for supporting a wide range of folks who call Kingston home.
  • Transparency: We want everyone involved in this process to know how it works and how projects will be judged.  There’s a lot of information available, and we strive to share it in bite-sized pieces.  If you have a question, check out our FAQs. If we haven’t answered your question, please ask!

We are learning how to make this process approachable and appreciate your feedback. 

Be a Part of Kingston Common Futures