For Nonprofits

As a community foundation, we focus primarily on Long Island. Our competitive grants support projects that improve the lives of all Long Islanders. Making grants that make a difference requires a good understanding of the problems you’re trying to fix, the methods that others have tried and how they’ve fared, and the capabilities of the organization proposing a program.  

 We think that experience in the field is also essential. LICF staff have all worked for nonprofit organizations. This helps them appreciate the complexities of designing projects, translating them into compelling proposals, and competing for the limited amount of money that’s available.  

 LICF must also balance the needs of the Long Island region with the charitable intent of our generous donors, who make these grants possible. Every year, we grant about $2-3 million to carry out the wishes of donors who have left us bequests. Since 1978, we’ve granted more than $190 million dollars to worthy nonprofits on Long Island.