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RDLG Grant Portal


Spring 2026 Grant Cycle

Applications Deadline: 
March 6, 2026 by 5pm EST

Funding Decision By: 
May 15, 2026

Notifications: 
May 31, 2026


Fall 2026 Grant Cycle

Applications Deadline: 
August 7, 2026 by 5pm EST

Funding Decision By: 
November 6, 2026

Notifications: 
November 26, 2026


APPLY FOR FUNDING NOW 


A tall tower with a clock on top of it
a city street at night with a row of buildings
grayscale photo of bicycle parked on sidewalk near building
A red wooden church with a green roof and tower.
a city next to a body of water
a narrow street with a church in the background
aerial view of city near body of water during daytime

GET READY FOR 

THE 2026 GRANT CYCLE

Please review the new match requirements and discuss your project with our Executive Director before submitting any application.

Explore our grant application timeline

Eligibility Criteria

  • Applicants must be non-profit, qualifying as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code for a minimum of 3 years.
  • If your building is owned by others such as a Municipality, Town, County, State or Village, you must have a current Stewardship Agreement (contract or lease) for a minimum of 10 years (for RDLGF review).
  • Historical societies, historians, anthropologists, academic institutions, museums and similar organizations are welcome to apply.
  • Applicants must have submitted a final grant report for any completed project previously funded by the Gardiner Foundation.
  • The project must have a clearly outlined project plan and accompanying activities.
  • The organization must demonstrate its vital role as a cultural entity in its community - enhancing education, promoting interest in and understanding of living history or preserving societal heritage.

Apply for Funding Now

Application Assessment: What We Look For



  • Sustainability | The organization shows the ability to financially sustain the project indefinitely and the project contributes to the sustainability of the organization.


  • Community Impact | Projects will benefit and enhance the knowledge of the target audience and/or local community.
  • Sensible and Justifiable Budget | Applicants craft a budget well-suited to both the scope of the project and the organization’s capacity; the amount requested should neither be inflated nor insufficient to complete the project successfully.


  • Organizational Capacity | The organization demonstrates the financial and human resources, as well as intellectual capacity to manage the project successfully.


  • In Depth Knowledge | Proposals reflect a thorough understanding of current practice and knowledge about the subject matter.


  • Organizational Impact | Projects address a key goal identified in an organization's strategic plan.


  • Project-Based Design | Work plans consist of a set of logical, interrelated activities tied directly to addressing the key need or challenge identified in the proposal.
  • Demonstrable Results | Projects generate measurable results that tie directly to the need or challenge it was designed to address.

Frequently Asked Questions about our grants

Here are some common questions about our grant application process and eligibility.

  • The Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation provides support for projects that we believe will make the greatest possible impact for promoting the appreciation of Suffolk County heritage and for preserving local historical collections and structures.
  • To that end, our grant programs are highly competitive.
    The Foundation aims to invest in activities that will have a long-term, sustainable influence in the preservation of Suffolk County heritage and also upon the ability of relevant organizations to carry out their missions. Candidates for funding must demonstrate 1) their ability to financially sustain the project and 2) that the project contributes to the sustainability of the organization.
  • The Foundation seeks to support organizations that demonstrate strong and organized internal capacity; effectiveness in their field; and the financial and human resources as well as intellectual capacity to manage the project successfully. No more than two proposals may be submitted in one year by any single organization or entity.

  • Objects Conservation: Cataloging & Digital Imaging, Conservation of Objects, Collections Care, Acquisitions
  • Historic Preservation: Structural Stabilization/Restoration, Adaptive Reuse/New Construction (Structural Stabilization/Restoration, Adaptive Use/New Construction projects are defined as proposals seeking funding to restore or construct a new facility or add to a current facility or purchase equipment with an expected useful life of at least three years.
  • Programs: Higher Education, Community Education, Primary/Secondary Education, Outreach Programs, Research (including archeology), Exhibition, Events/Community Activities

  • Applications are routed through the Foundation's Executive Director for initial review. Applications requiring specific technical knowledge will be reviewed by industry experts whose input will be used for recommendations. The Board of Directors reviews grant applications two times per year and votes based on recommendations made at the meeting dates. The Board may make a determination of "awarded" or "not awarded," however in some cases they may return the proposal, requesting edits or additional information. Notifications are sent by mail shortly thereafter.

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