Eligibility Criteria:
1. Organizations must serve within the five boroughs of New York City.
2. Organizations must have a 501(c)3 status or a fiscal sponsor organization.
Fiscal sponsor organizations must be located within the five boroughs of New York City.
Before applying for a Foundation Grant, please make sure your organization meets ALL of the following eligibility criteria.
Once you have determined that your organization is eligible please also read the application instructions, which will better prepare you for the application process. In these instructions you will be able to view a sample application and a sample budget.
Organizations may request general operating support or program support. Organizations with a $10M budget or larger must apply for a program.
Organizations or fiscal sponsor organizations with budgets over $1M must submit a current audited financial statement not older than 18 months.
Organizations or fiscal sponsor organizations with budgets under $1M can submit a current signed 990 or current audited financial statement not older than 18 months.
Organizations may apply only once a year, and choose only one category/cycle per organization.
The Foundation cannot process applications that do not meet the criteria.
Lily Auchincloss Foundation will not consider:
1. Individuals
2. Programs outside of the five boroughs of New York City
3. Research projects
4. Mental health programs, medical services, hospitals, nursing homes, substance use disorder programs
5. Universities or schools (public, private or charter schools)
Arts Grants
Please note that Lily Auchincloss Foundation has narrowed the scope of its Arts Grants.
Given an overwhelming number of applications in recent years, the Foundation will focus its arts funding on organizations providing the experiences and services described below. Please review this information carefully to assess your eligibility.
Lily Auchincloss Foundation recognizes the arts as an essential component of life in New York City. Arts and culture enhance our lives in countless ways, subtle and profound. The Foundation’s Arts Grants support organizations that help to make the city affordable and welcoming for audiences and for artists.
Organizations may request general operating support or program support in the following areas:
*Organizations with a $10M budget or larger must apply for a program.
*The Foundation typically supports small to mid-size organizations throughout the five boroughs of New York City.
*For Arts, organizations with budgets over $40M are ineligible to apply.
1. Access for Audiences
Lily Auchincloss Foundation funds organizations with a history (3+ years) of providing FREE exhibitions, performances, and events that welcome audiences to take part in arts-based experiences, including arts education programs.
2. Access for Artists
Lily Auchincloss Foundation funds organizations providing artists with FREE AND LOW-COST professional support, including studio space, specialized equipment and workshops (i.e. papermaking, glass-making facilities, printmaking studios), and career services.
Environmental & Preservation Grants (formerly called Preservation/Environment)
Lily Auchincloss Foundation funds organizations providing services for the preservation of the history of New York City, parks, gardens, and environmental education.
*Organizations may request general operating support or program support.
*Organizations with a $10M budget or larger must apply for a program.
*The Foundation typically supports small to mid-size organizations throughout the five boroughs of New York City.
*For Environmental/Preservation, organizations with budgets over $70M are ineligible to apply.
Human Services Grants
Lily Auchincloss Foundation funds organizations whose mission and services support prevention, social change, and education programs aimed at improving the quality of life for all New York City residents.
*Organizations may request general operating support or program support.
*Organizations with a $10M budget or larger must apply for a program.
*The Foundation typically supports small to mid-size organizations throughout the five boroughs of New York City.
*For Human Services, organizations with budgets over $70M are ineligible to apply.
Discretionary Awards are by nomination only
Individual members of the Board of Directors, Advisory Council, and staff initiate these awards. The Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals for discretionary awards. Discretionary awards are subject to approval by the Board and are not renewable. You will be notified if your organization has been nominated for a discretionary award.
Please contact us should you have any questions.