Mission
Founded in 1997, the mission of Lily Auchincloss Foundation (LAF) is to provide grants to enrich the quality of life in New York City.
Vision
Lily Auchincloss Foundation envisions a more affordable and vibrant New York City. The Foundation aims to enrich the lives of New Yorkers through grants in support of the arts, the built and natural environments, and human services.
The Foundation typically supports small to mid-size organizations throughout the five boroughs of New York City.
The Foundation provides both general operating support and program support.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Organizations that serve the five boroughs of New York City
- Organizations must have a 501(c)3 status or a fiscal sponsor
Lily Auchincloss Foundation will not consider:
- Individuals
- Programs outside of the five boroughs of New York City
- Research projects
- Medical services, hospitals, nursing homes, substance abuse programs
- Universities or schools (public, private or charter schools)
Lily Auchincloss Foundation cannot process applications that do not meet the criteria.
Participatory Grantmaking
In 2022, the Foundation began to invite community members and past grantees to join and assist the board and staff in the grant evaluation process.
Covid-19 Response
In the spring of 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Environmental cycle was cancelled. The Foundation focused on immediate funding, by Board decision and nomination only, in human services, food, and the environment (parks) in New York City.
Lily Auchincloss Foundation partnered with various funders and consortiums as the New York Community Trust’s Covid-19 Response & Impact Fund, the United States Artists Relief Fund to support New York City artists, the City Parks Foundation’s NYC Green Relief & Recovery Fund, and as a member of the Community Food Funders, a project of North Star Fund.
The grant cycles resumed in the fall with the arts 2020 cycle.
