Organizations might consider applying for a Micro-Grant for planning, research and development of future projects, or to get pilot projects off the ground in anticipation of being able to bring the program to scale in the future. Given that there are more than one hundred non-profit entities within Schenectady County — most of them in need of philanthropic support — the Foundation must be highly selective in its funding decisions. Most years, funding requests far exceed our available financial resources. Paga Nigeria Read more. Loans are different than grants because recipients are required to repay loans, often with interest. The Foundation will prioritize for investment those project proposals that meaningfully incorporate these key elements: Promote resident engagement and citizen leadership to catalyze and sustain community change efforts; Devise ways to gauge impact, and receive feedback from residents and stakeholders; Align and integrate resources and services to more comprehens