Announcements
Spring Grant Cycle
Applications Deadline: March 6, 2026 by 5pm
Funding Decision By: May 15, 2026
Notifications: May 31, 2026
Fall Grant Cycle
Applications Deadline: August 7, 2026 by 5pm
Funding Decision By: November 6, 2026
Notifications: November 26, 2026
The Gardiner Young Scholars Program 2026
This opportunity is available to Long Island historical societies.
It requires the completion of 100 hours of service to a historic society accompanied by a stipend of $1,700.00 to be paid to the Scholar.
Gardiner Youth Scholar candidates are selected at the discretion of the individual historical society which oversees their hours and activities.
Candidates must be between the ages of 15 to 22.
To apply for this RDLGF award organizations must submit a hard copy letter of request along with:
- An IRS determination letter establishing them as a 501c3 (3 year minimum);
- A copy of their mission statement;
At the completion of the GYS term the historical society is required to submit a short video presentation created by the scholar on their experience, along with a time sheet showing the hours worked by the scholar, a letter from the historical society describing the work performed by the scholar and a copy of the cancelled check paying the scholar.
Hard copy requests must be received by July 31, 2026.
The Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation
30 West Main Street
Suite 309
Riverhead, New York 11901
Attention: The Gardiner Young Scholars Program
Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation
250th Commemoration Grant for 2026
The Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation has designated $250,000.00 toward funding for educational events commemorating the Semiquincentennial. This offering is open to Nassau and Suffolk County 501 (c) (3) historical societies and history museums. The maximum award of $5,000.00 is limited to one per organization. An application for less than the $5,000.00 is welcome. This award is restricted to one per site. Organizations applying for multiple awards will not be reviewed.
Early submissions for consideration are suggested as there is a cap on the funding to be distributed.
Applications open January 1, 2026 and will be available until the funding has been depleted. Notice of acceptance or denial will be sent upon review.
The Robert David Lion Gardiner is to be acknowledged by physical signage and media outreach (news, social media, etc.) as funders for the event.
Application process: A hard copy letter sent to:
Kathryn M. Curran, Executive Director
Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation
30 West Main Street, Suite 309
Riverhead, New York 11901
Attention: RDLGF 250th
Page One: A brief cover letter from the historical society, which includes: The Mission Statement, a brief history of the organization and the 2026 institutional budget (copy of budget required).
Page Two:
- A brief narrative
- Event description
- Historic educational focus
- Timeline and deliverables for the project
- Marketing strategy for promotion
- Budget to include itemized contracted vender fees and all expenses of the project (written estimates for all line items to be submitted with budget)
Upon approval of the funding request, a date will be assigned for a Final Report.
The Final Report requires a letter from the awardee with an accounting, including documentation of expenses (cancelled checks) and outcome (attendance, media coverage).
The Final Report is to be set to:
Terry Tirado, Executive Assistant
Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation
30 West Main Street, Suite 309
Riverhead, New York 11901
Attention: RDLGF 250th