Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 County/City community agencies funding review process, which HSC facilitates in support of Tompkins County. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, May 15, 2024.
The Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County (HSC) supports the Tompkins County Legislature by reviewing applications and recommending funding for Community Agencies as part of the County’s annual budget process. Community Agencies funding has two sources: a portion from Tompkins County and a portion from City of Ithaca sales tax collections. While HSC makes recommendations to Tompkins County, final approval of all funding is made by the Tompkins County Legislature.
Please review the following information about the application and review of applications for 2025 funding.
Application Deadline
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 by 11:59 p.m.
For an early review for completeness, readability, and clarity, please submit a draft by Wednesday, May 8, 2024.
More information below and in the application materials.
Application Form
The application form and instructions are available by clicking here
For your convenience, the application is provided as a Word document. There are no additional application forms, but there are required attachments to include when you apply. These documents are listed in a checklist on the last page of the application form.
Introductory Conversations
The Human Services Coalition strives to ensure that all applicants understand the funding review process, application, and timeline. We also want to make sure any questions you have are answered before you begin the application.
Therefore, all prospective applicants must contact HSC prior to applying for a brief introductory conversation. To schedule this conversation, you may:
- Book an appointment online by clicking here
- Email applications@hsctc.org
- Call 607-273-8686 x230
Conversations will be brief and confidential. No information provided by potential applicants during these discussions will be shared with HSC’s application review committee as part of the evaluation of applications.
Funding Review Process Timeline and Overview
| April-May 2024 | Applications for 2025 funding are open |
| May-June 2024 | HSC Review Committee reviews applications and follows up with applicants |
| June-July 2024 | HSC Board of Directors makes funding recommendations to Tompkins County |
| August-September 2024 | County Administrator issues budget recommendations to Tompkins County Legislature |
| September-November 2024 | Tompkins County Legislature holds budget process and approves 2025 County Budget |
| December 2024-January 2025 | Tompkins County contracts directly with funded agencies |
Important: This application is for consideration for funding for 2025. Dates are subject to change.
Information for Applicants
Funding made available through this process supports not-for-profit agencies that provide services and/or programming in alignment with Tompkins County’s interests in addressing community needs. Agencies may apply for general operating support and/or time-limited program funding.
Community Agencies funding is limited and at the final determination of the Tompkins County Legislature. Previous funding is not a guarantee of recommended or approved 2025 funding.
Applicants must demonstrate an alignment with County goals in their application, such as by identifying relevant County plans, stated interests or stated focus areas as part of their application and. Applicants are encouraged to view resolutions of the Tompkins County Legislature, department pages on the Tompkins County website and the Human Services Coalition website for plans and initiatives.
For your reference, here are some examples of Tompkins County-wide plans. This is not a complete list, but provided to represent some of the available documents:
- Tompkins County Community Health Assessment/Community Health Improvement Plan
- Age Friendly Ithaca and Tompkins County Action Plan
- Homelessness and Housing Needs Assessment for Tompkins County
- Continuum of Care’s Home Together, Tompkins Plan
- Tompkins County Comprehensive Plan
- Tompkins County Local Services Plan for Mental Hygiene
- Tompkins County Economic Development Strategy
Your application will be reviewed and evaluated by HSCs Review Committee, including by the following:
- Need – Addresses a well-documented need in Tompkins County.
- Agency Capacity – The capacity and expertise to carry out the program; works collaboratively with other agencies serving similar populations.
- Strength of Application – Timely, succinct, and complete responses; all questions answered; all requested financials included and accurate.
- Fiscal Health – Sufficient revenue to carry out the proposed program(s); reasonable expenses; any major changes in revenue/expenses included and explained; diversified funding.
- Oversight – Board size is adequate for the organization; there is evidence of sufficient board oversight.
- Staffing – Adequate staffing and compensation levels; all staff are paid a living wage or evidence of working to get all staff to a living wage.
- Access – Effort to assure equitable access is clear; the program shows that it serves residents throughout Tompkins County, as appropriate.
- Strength of Program – Participation is in line with the program costs; staffing is appropriate; program impact is demonstrated; programs are evaluated on a regular basis and the information gained is used to strengthen the program.
- Alignment with County Needs and Goals – Program aligns with Tompkins County focus areas, such as by addressing a community need identified by Tompkins County or by providing a service recommended by a community-wide plan; the impact of the program is significant and broad.
Deadlines and How to Submit
We have a two-tiered submission deadline. All completed applications are due by email no later than 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. If you would like your application reviewed early for completeness and readability, please submit it by Wednesday, May 8, 2024.
When you are ready to submit, please email all of your application materials to applications@hsctc.org. You must submit the application form as a Word document. Please do not convert it to a PDF. The required attachments can be attached as separate files, including as a PDF.
If you need assistance at any point, from initial consideration to after you submit, please do not hesitate to contact the Human Services Coalition. A major part of HSC’s role is to provide the help you need! Please reach out to HSC’s Executive Director, Cindy Wilcox, or Deputy Director, John Mazzello, anytime you have a question. You can reach us at applications@hsctc.org or by calling 607-273-8686.