The Suffolk Foundation recently announced the beginning of its competitive grant cycle for 2017.

Organizations that are tax exempt under the 501(c) (3) Internal Revenue Code in Suffolk and surrounding communities are eligible to apply for a grant. The proposed project or program must be available or be of benefit to Suffolk residents. The Foundation is interested in awarding grants to nonprofit agencies enhancing the quality of life for area citizens. The Distribution Committee will grant funds to charitable organizations that demonstrate projects planned with respect to the community’s overall needs.

Grants may be awarded in a wide range of categories, including human need, arts, education, environment and health.

Last year, the Foundation awarded $128,875 in competitive grants to 30 agencies. The Foundation’s total grant value in 2016 was $537,577, which included scholarships and donor advised grants.

The Foundation has assets of more than $5.8 million and has distributed more than $3.6 million in grants since awarding its first grants to victims of the 2008 tornado. Grant applications are now available online and may be downloaded from the Foundation’s website, www.suffolkfoundation.org, or may be requested by emailing Win Winslow, executive director, at wwinslow@suffolkfoundation.org.

Applications are due Oct. 13. For more information, call Winslow at 923-9090.