Guidelines for Grantseekers

Funding Guidelines

• Only nonprofit charitable organizations, exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, are eligible to receive a grant.
• The Swantz Family Foundation accepts grant requests up to $5,000.
• Grants are awarded for one year only. Projects in areas the Foundation has a special interest in may be considered for multi-year funding and larger gifts. Organizations may reapply from one year to the next.
• If awarded, grant funds must be used only for the purposes for which the grant was made. Organizations are required to submit a final written report within 12 months of when the grant was made, which will include a narrative of project activities and a final accounting of how grant funds have been used.
• The Swantz Family Foundation reserves the right to withhold and/or recover grant funds in the case that funds have been, or appear to be, misused.

Proposal

• Proposal Narrative: Please refer to the "Grant Application and Cover Letter" file on this page. Proposals should not exceed 4 pages and should clearly set forth the proposed program/project and objectives. Proposals should include:
  • A brief history of the organization, including its mission.
  • A statement of need for the program/project.
  • Goals and objectives for the program/project.
  • A description of activities to achieve the stated goals and objectives.
  • An outline of how the program’s success will be monitored and evaluated.
  • An explanation of how the program would be successful if only partial funding was awarded.
• Attachments
  • Program/project budget, including revenue and expenses. Under revenue, please include other foundations you have applied to for funding.
  • Organizational budget including revenue and expenses.
  • Copy of IRS 501(c)(3) letter of determination.
  • Copy of most recent audited financial statement or IRS Form 990.
  • Optional: brochure, newsletter article or other written material describing program.

Submission Instructions

• Please submit all materials in Word, Excel, or PDF format by email to swantzff@gmail.com on or before March 1^st.
• Questions can be directed to Jennifer Swantz, President, at swantzff@gmail.com.
• Upon receipt of the completed proposal, the Foundation may request additional information or schedule a visit.

2019 Grants Awarded

• Allison Woods Outdoor Education Center - Bird of Prey Program
• Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary - General Operating Support
• CitySprouts - Summer Youth Internship Program
• ElevateHer - Expanding Program Opportunities for Rural Girls
• Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park - Transportation to MacArthur Beach State Park Programs
• Hawthorne Valley Association - Kids Can Cook Summer Camp
• Hudson Highlands Nature Museum - Dulce Esperanza
• North Cascades Institute - Mountain School
• Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens - Nature Leadership Academy
• Solar Youth - Steward Team
• Wild Earth - Kingston Middle School Nature Connection
• Yellowstone Forever - Expedition Yellowstone

2018 Grants Awarded

• Allison Woods Outdoor Education Center - Watershed Exploration Program
• Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary - General Operating Support
• Clifton Park - Halfmoon Public Library - Backpack Lending Program
• ElevateHer - Outdoor Adventures for Young Women
• Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park - Transportation to MacArthur Beach State Park Programs
• Grand Canyon Youth - Bat Monitoring on the Rivers of the Southwest
• Ramapo for Children - Integrating Environmental Education into the Ramapo Leadership Program
• Thorne Nature Experience - Nature Immersion Program
• Wild Earth - Kingston Middle School Nature Connection
• Wolf Conservation Center - General Operating Support