Funding Process

Giving Policy

• 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.

Application Assessement: 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be non-profit, qualifying as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
• 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.