We will fund only 501(c)(3) not for profit programs that operate in the United States that fall within the areas of:
  • Community Education Programs
  • Arts-In-Education Programs
  • Agricultural and Environmental Programs

We make grants covering a one year period. In some instances, grant renewals are considered but are never automatic. The applicant for a renewal grant must submit a new proposal each year, along with a report of the activities of the preceding year. Grants are never awarded for more than three consecutive years.

Grant sizes range from a few hundred dollars to our maximum of $10,000. Please make your application realistic. Do not inflate your request anticipating that you will get less than you requested. While we sometimes offer a smaller grant, it is also possible that we would not fund a request if we were unable to meet your stated needs.

An application should be made in a brief written proposal to Executive Director Leslie Ramme. We are more concerned with substance than with form so you may follow any format you wish, but please insure that the following information is included:

  • History of your organization (we strongly recommend that the organization or program be in existence for at least one year)
  • Program Statement – the problem you are attempting to address
  • Objectives – the goals of your program
  • Method – how you plan to reach your objective
  • Evaluation – how will you know how effectively you have addressed
    the problems?
  • Future funding – if the work is ongoing, how will it be funded
    in the future?
  • Tax Exempt Status – grants are only made to 501 (c)(3) organization and no grants are made to individuals. A copy of this determination must be included with your application
  • Budget – a budget for the program requiring funding and if this is part of a larger organization then we will need the budget for the entire organization. If your organization revenues exceed $150,000 then we will need a certified audit of the financial statements

The HCF accepts the New York/New Jersey area
common application form
It must be understood at the time of the application that if you are awarded a grant, we will request a short report on how the grant money was used within six (6) months after the grant is awarded.

The Foundation Board meets three times a year on an as needed basis. To insure a timely consideration of your proposal, the sooner the request is received; the better your chances are for meeting the next Board review.

Please feel free to contact the Foundation office if you have any questions at all about the process.

Harry Chapin Foundation
16 Gerard Street
Huntington, New York 11743

Phone (631) 423-7558
Fax (631) 423-7596
Email harrychapinfound@aol.com