What We Support |
The Richard S. Shineman Foundation uses its financial resources to build the capacity of nonprofit organizations, enhance the quality of life, and serve as a "Catalyst for Change" in Oswego County. With these overarching objectives in mind, we offer the following guidance to organizations who are considering applying to our Foundation for support.
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Types Of Grants
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Organizational capacity building
Projects that strengthen a nonprofit’s ability to fulfill its mission and sustain itself over time, thereby enhancing the nonprofit’s ability to have a positive impact on lives and communities.
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Special Projects
Time-limited projects that usually will not need on-going funding
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New programs
New and innovative programs, or the expansion of proven existing programs that address the community’s most pressing needs
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Seed grants
Grants for nonprofit organizations in their startup phase, or established nonprofits starting up a new program, offering or approach. Seed grants may cover salaries and other operating expenses of a new project.
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Capital campaigns
Nonprofit fundraising campaign with the goal of raising a large amount of money for a specific purpose within a predetermined time frame. The goal of a capital campaign is to raise funds for a specific infrastructure project that is essential to furthering the organization’s mission.
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Challenge grants
A grant that is paid only if the organization is able to raise additional funds from other sources. Challenge grants are often used to stimulate giving from other donors.
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Grant categories
We offer two grant categories: Strategic grants for requests over $5,000, and Mini grants for requests of $5,000 or less.
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Focus Areas
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Arts and Culture
Music, music education, museums, historical societies, theaters
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Civic Benefit
Community improvement development, philanthropy/volunteerism, capacity building, etc.
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Economic/Workforce Development
Economic well-being and quality of life of individuals and the local community are improved according to targeted goals and objectives. Examples: job creation/job retention, job training and educational programs to grow skills and develop tools needed for business success.
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Education
Early childhood development and education for children, adult learning programs, etc.
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Environment
Beautification, environmental protection, restoration and saving of natural habitat
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Health and Human Services
Counseling programs, alcohol & drug related programs, crisis/domestic violence, medical services, senior services, respite care, food related, homelessness and housing
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Historic Preservation
Preservation and protection of artifacts of historical significance
Applicant Qualifications:
- At this time, we will consider organizations that are located in -- or can demonstrate a direct benefit to -- Oswego County through specific projects or programs.
- Grants are only made to organizations that are classified as tax-exempt under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or those that are considered exempt such as governmental subdivisions.
- No grants or loans will be made to individuals.
Additionally, We Favor Proposals That:
- focus on making a positive and transformative impact to the community of the proposed use of money, including long-term investments in social capital and infrastructure;
- enhance the viability of the applicant, and the sustainability of the program;
- have clearly stated and achievable, objectives and time-frames;
- and emphasize collaboration within the community and the inclusion of diverse voices/perspectives.