Tompkins County launches Amplify grant to uplift underserved voices
Published on September 16, 2025
Tompkins County is proud to announce the launch of the Amplify grant, an innovative initiative dedicated to fueling the dreams, work, and visions of local leaders, especially those from communities that have been disenfranchised or under-resourced. Funded through the 2025 county budget and unanimously approved by the legislature, the Amplify grant offers up to $5,500 to a grassroots initiative, nonprofit, or small business creating community impact. While the Amplify grant is designed to elevate and fund one outstanding recipient, the selection committee reserves the right to divide the award among multiple applicants whose proposals collectively demonstrate significant potential for community impact. Applications are due on October 15, 2025.
In the wake of the 2020 national uprisings calling for racial justice, Tompkins County, like many communities across the country, was called to take a closer look at how power, policy, and public dollars flow. From transportation deserts in rural towns to food insecurity in suburban corridors and housing pressures in urban centers, the message was clear: systemic inequities cannot be solved without intentional investments in historically underserved spaces. The Amplify grant was created in response to this and is intentionally low-barrier, equity-centered, and flexible. Local businesses, nonprofits, and grassroots initiatives are invited to apply for their impact-driven work in areas such as racial equity, food justice, housing, environmental justice, youth empowerment, and more.
“This is a moment to amplify the labor, leadership, and legacy of our most resilient community members,” said Charlene Holmes, Chief Equity & Diversity Officer for Tompkins County. “Amplify gives communities the mic; we’re just here to make sure the volume is turned all the way up.”
In addition to completing the Microsoft Forms application, applicants are encouraged to submit materials in the format that best showcases their impact, including short videos (recommended under 5 mins via YouTube, Vimeo, etc.); audio clips, podcasts, or oral storytelling; creative works such as art, poetry, or spoken word; or any combination of the above. Applicants can submit additional materials to cholmes@tompkins-co.org with the subject line ‘Amplify Grant Submission.’ For technical assistance with the application, please reach out to Carmen Arroyo at the Office of Human Rights (carroyo@tompkins-co.org) or Charlene Holmes at the Office of Equity & Diversity (cholmes@tompkins-co.org).
Applications are due October 15, 2025 at 11:59 PM, and recipients will be announced during the GARE Local Meeting, a national convening of racial equity practitioners, community leaders, and public sector champions, that takes place in Ithaca from October 20 through 22.
Hosted in Tompkins County for the first time, the GARE Local Meeting is a pivotal opportunity to deepen equity strategy across government sectors. The event includes a pre-conference training (Governing for Racial Equity, Oct. 8), daytime sessions, and an evening mixer featuring Ithaca’s beautiful landscape, local culture, and networking opportunities.
Download the Amplified Grant flyer(PDF, 4MB)