Apply for Funding
The Schenectady Foundation invests in projects and programs that benefit people who live or work in Schenectady County, NY.
The Schenectady Foundation has been engaged in a strategic planning process to determine the primary focus for its grant program. The plan is
developing around a theme of “strengthening families”, with TSF providing support to key prevention and intervention strategies that build the
resilience and self-reliance of families, and that realize improvements in outcomes for children and youth.
Our work is progressing with significant input from community leaders, and we anticipate that the process will culminate in the release of a plan
later in 2008. We intend to set aside seed funding for collaborative planning and demonstration programs to be sought via a request for proposals
when the plan is complete. However, we remain open this year to other grant requests and opportunities that will improve the health and welfare
of our community regardless of whether those requests directly address our strategic focus.
How to apply for a grant
If your organization is interested in requesting a grant from The Schenectady Foundation this year you will first need to submit a Letter of Inquiry. The Letter of Inquiry may be no longer than two pages and must include the following:
- Legal name of the organization
- Description of the project or program for which you seek funding
- Anticipated benefits for the community and the population to be served
- Indicators of results to be used for determining project success
- Total project/program cost and the amount to be requested from TSF
- List of other significant funding commitments received
- Identification of collaborating partner organizations, if any
- Contact name, telephone number and email address
- Signature of the chief professional and/or chief volunteer officer
Submitting your Letter of Inquiry
Letters of Inquiry may be submitted throughout the year. There is no specific due date, and the date of submission does not affect the likelihood of
success in obtaining a grant – just the timeframe for responding to the inquiry. However, Letters of Inquiry received by Friday, June 6th, 2008 will
receive consideration at the Foundation's June 24th meeting. Letters received after June 6th will be considered later this year.
Mail one hard copy of the Letter (do not staple), and email electronic files to the addresses below.
Mail proposal hard copy to:
The Schenectady Foundation
Letter of Inquiry
PO Box 916
Schenectady, NY 12301
Email to:
cimacneil@schenectadyfoundation.org
racarreau@schenectadyfoundation.org
You will receive an email confirming receipt of your Letter of Inquiry. Foundation staff will be in contact with you if additional information is needed, and to let you know the approximate date you will learn whether your Letter of Inquiry has been accepted. If your Letter is accepted your organization will be invited to submit a grant proposal. The acceptance letter will describe the grant proposal requirements and submission dates.
For guidance and assistance with the Letter of Inquiry call or email:
Cheryl MacNeil, Grants Administrator
cimacneil@earthlink.net
518.382.8279
If a Grant is Awarded:
Applicants will normally receive a response to the grant proposal within six weeks of the submission date. A letter specifying the amount of the grant
and any requirements, conditions or restrictions will be sent to the grantee at the time the grant is approved. The letter will usually specify the
schedule for grant payments.
Monitoring and Reporting Requirements:
Grant recipients will be required to report on the progress of their project. Foundation staff will request information substantiating project completion,
and/or indicating the results of the project. In some cases a portion of the grant payment will be withheld until the project is completed, required reports
have been received or certain conditions are met.
Typical reporting requirements include:
- Verification of the use of Foundation funds
- Financial report on the project
- Program or project results report
- Site visit and/or meetings with staff and board leaders
Eligibility:
Applicants must be non-profit corporations registered with the NYS Office of Charities Registration, and designated as a 501(c)(3) by the IRS. All proposals must demonstrate a benefit to Schenectady County, NY and people who live and/or work there.
How to Start:
For assistance, please contact the Foundation's grant program administrator, Cheryl MacNeil:
cimacneil@schenectadyfoundation.org
518.382.8279
racarreau@schenectadyfoundation.org
(518) 272-6402