The Bender Family Foundation was established in 1997 and works to foster, preserve and fund the arts, culture, education, history and environment of New York State’s Capital Region. Preference is given to projects in: (1) the city of Albany; and (2) the county of Albany; however, the area within a radius of no more than 30 miles measured from the site of the present New York State Capitol Building (State Street, Albany) will also be considered.
- The Foundation accepts proposals from organizations whose directors are active as volunteers, directors or donors;
- The Foundation will award challenge grants and will permit grants to be used as matching funds for other foundation grants;
- Priority is given to projects and programs in the City and County of Albany;
- The Foundation will consider requests for funding to support capital campaigns and capital expenditures;
- Grants will not be made to the same organization in consecutive years;
- The Foundation does not make grants to individuals or to support annual fund drives.
GRANT SIZE & DURATION
Organizations may apply for funding up to $15,000.
- If your organization was awarded a grant in 2023, you may apply for a new Bender Family Foundation grant in 2025.
- If your organization was awarded a grant in 2024, please do not apply for new Bender Family Foundation funding until 2026.
HOW TO APPLY
Submit a pre-application. If your organization is invited to submit a full application, you will be notified.
POST GRANT REQUIREMENTS
If your organization is selected to receive a grant, you will be required to submit a written progress report at the end of the grant period. For multi-year grants, more frequent reporting may be required. The Bender Family Foundation Trustees may conduct site visits, at their discretion, during the course of the grant period.
QUESTIONS
If you have questions please contact Shelly Connolly, Vice President for Community Grantmaking. Please do not contact the Trustees of the Bender Family Foundation.