Taste of the Finger Lakes
Grant Application
GRANT APPLICATION NOW CLOSED FOR 2025
Since the event began in 2021, Taste of the Finger Lakes has donated over $126,000 to organizations in the region who work to improve local food security. Thanks to generous corporate sponsorship that covers operational costs, the event is able to give 100% of ticket sales revenue to our beneficiary partners, nearly $54k in 2024.
Due to a desire to increase our impact, intention engage with both longstanding and emerging organizations, and high demand for funding, we created an open RFP process.
Please continue to review this form to learn about our eligibility criteria and to apply.
Grant Range: $500 to $10,000
Timeline
Application Open: February 17, 2025
Application Deadline: March 14, 2025
Acceptance Notification: Early April 2025
Disbursement of Funding: August 2025
Mission & Goals
Taste of the Finger Lakes is the region’s premier food and drink event that supports local, not-for-profit organizations working to address food insecurity in our communities.
Through the event, we work to accomplish the following goals:
To raise funds and maximize the impact of those funds in the quest to support food security across the Finger Lakes region.
To raise awareness about food insecurity as a top community issue deserving of resources and solutions.
To showcase and celebrate the dynamic Finger Lakes food and beverage industries in one annual awareness raising fundraiser.
About
Taste of the Finger Lakes is an annual fundraising event that supports direct action organizations working to end food insecurity in the Finger Lakes. The event takes place as a celebratory showcase of local food and beverage talent, with all vendors donating their products and time.
The number of Finger Lakes families reporting that they are unable to consistently keep food on the table has risen from 21% in 2020 to a staggering 67% in 2024 (Pivotal Public Health Partnerships). Taste of the Finger Lakes believes that food security should be a top priority in regional civic life.
The event is organized by a volunteer committee of local community members and a small event and marketing staff. Together with local business partners and an incredible array of food and beverage vendors we are able to donate 100% of event ticket proceeds to local organizations, totaling over $126,000 since the event launched in 2021. Taste of the Finger Lakes is proud to be a Just Be Cause Center event.
Granting Philosophy
Our granting process aims to provide flexible, unrestricted support to selected beneficiaries. No less than three organizations will be funded in one grant cycle.
Funding is based purely on the success of the event and the proceeds it generates.
Funding can be used for annual operations or for a specific project or purchase.
Decisions are made by the committee members and the leadership staff of Taste of the Finger Lakes.
We are committed to building active, collaborative relationships between our beneficiaries, staff, and committee in order to maximize impact and exposure to the critical work done in our community to support food security.
We encourage organizations to submit a proposal with plans to use the funds within 12 months of receiving funding. We ask that each beneficiary submit a brief impact statement at the conclusion of the grant cycle before additional funds will be considered.
Previous funding to an organization does not guarantee continued funding; however, organizations are welcome to apply in consecutive years.
Eligibility Criteria
All organizations must meet the following criteria to apply.
Service area must include Tompkins, Schuyler, or Seneca County.
Must be a 501(c)(3) organization or equivalent.
Proposal must demonstrate alignment with our mission to support food security.
Must submit an annual and/or project budget.
Application must be submitted by the due date.
Brief impact statement must be submitted at the end of the granting cycle.