The Dyson Foundation is dedicated to supporting nonprofit organizations in the Mid-Hudson Valley region that focus on meeting basic human needs such as housing, family stability, youth development, healthcare access, food security, and other essential human services. It places particular emphasis on aiding those who are economically disadvantaged or marginalized.
The Dyson Foundation's mini-grant program is designed to aid Mid-Hudson Valley organizations in capacity building projects aimed at enhancing administrative, governance, and programmatic functions. Through the tool of mini-grants, the program emphasizes the development of new skills for nonprofit board, staff, and volunteer leaders by sponsoring consultancy-led capacity-building activities, alongside opportunities for attending conferences, seminars, and other training avenues. The grant focuses on several key areas including diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, operational enhancements, planning, and professional development. Following the completion of a project funded by a mini-grant, organizations may also apply for mini-implementation grants of up to $3,000 to help implement the project's results or recommendations, covering costs like continued consulting, marketing materials, and web design.