Apply For A Grant
The Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, Inc. (“The Foundation”) is a New York State not-for-profit corporation for the study of New York State history, with an special emphasis on the Town of Islip, Suffolk County. The Foundation’s fiscal year is January 1 to December 31; grants are reviewed twice per year. The Foundation is a qualified charity under IRS code 501 (c)(3).
Institutional Budgets Required Match:
- Under $250,000 required 1/4 match
- Over $250,000 to $500,000 1/2 match
- Over $500,000 to $1m 3/4 match
- Over $1m full match
Before You Get Started
Full application access is provided by invitation only, following a site inspection and preliminary conversation with our Executive Director. All digital applications must be received by the Foundation by 5:00 p.m. on the deadline submission date.
Contact Us With Any Questions
The Robert David Lion
Gardiner Foundation, Inc.
Kathryn M. Curran
Executive Director
30 West Main Street, Suite 309
Riverhead, NY 11901
Website | www.rdlgfoundation.org
Review Project Requirements
Confirm that your project fits our funding priorities, falls within the appropriate grant category, and meets any matching or eligibility requirements (such as permits, partner review, or full funding commitments where required).
Some categories require matching funds, full funding commitments at the time of application, permits, and partner review before you apply.
Review Funding Match Requirements
Organizations are expected to provide matching funds based on their annual operating budget:
Budget under $250,000 → 25% match required
Budget $250,000–$500,000 → 50% match required
Budget $500,000–$1,000,000 → 75% match required
Budget over $1,000,000 → 100% (full) match required
“Match” means your organization must contribute or secure additional funds equal to the required percentage of the grant amount (from your own budget or other confirmed sources).
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.
Organizational Capacity
The organization demonstrates the financial and human resources, as well as intellectual capacity to manage the project successfully.
Organizational Impact
Projects address a key goal identified in an organization's strategic plan.
Community Impact
Projects will benefit and enhance the knowledge of the target audience and/or local community.
In Depth Knowledge
Proposals reflect a thorough understanding of current practice and knowledge about the subject matter.
Demonstrable Results
Projects generate measurable results that tie directly to the need or challenge it was designed to address.
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.
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.
Spring 2026 Grant Cycle
March 6
Application Deadline
May 15
Funding Decision
May 31
Notifications
Step 1: Begin Grant Inquiry
Submit this form if you are interested in applying for 2026 grant cycle funding. Full application access is provided by invitation only, following a site inspection and preliminary conversation with our Executive Director.
Full application access is provided by invitation only, following a site inspection and preliminary conversation with our Executive Director.
Fall 2026 Grant Cycle
August 7
Application Deadline
November 6
Funding Decision
November 26
Notifications
What You Will Need to Provide (If Invited to Apply)
If, after your site inspection and conversation with our Executive Director, you are invited to submit a formal application, you will be asked to provide the following materials:
• Legal name, address, and primary contact
• Federal EIN and proof of nonprofit status (IRS 501(c)(3) letter)
• Board of Directors list, including affiliations
• Bios of key leadership
- Narrative description of the proposed project
- Goals, anticipated outcomes, and who will benefit
- Timeline and implementation plan
- Itemized project budget
- Budget justification narrative
- Current organizational operating budget
- List of current income sources
- List of federal, state, local, foundation, and corporate supporters
- Most recent financial statements
- Most recent Form 990
- Most recent annual report (if available)
- Documentation of site ownership or municipal approval (if applicable)
- Any additional materials directly related to the proposed project
