How To Apply

Evaluation Process | Funding Criteria

Our Selection Process:

CLF funds programs that offer a new way to address a real need.

Approaching any problem from a new perspective produces a greater potential for innovation and success. At CLF, new ideas are encouraged and nurtured, but achieving a workable solution is always the ultimate goal.

To be considered for funding, proposals for projects and programs must meet three basic criteria:

1. Innovation - Proposals must offer a new, perhaps even unusual, approach to address a defined need.
2. Results - Applicants are required to demonstrate tangible, measurable results affecting the problem being addressed.
3. Long-term solutions - Successfully implemented programs must be replicable and sustainable.

For specific CLF funding requirements, consult Funding Criteria.


Application Process:

Potential applicants must contact the appropriate Program Officer listed below prior to submitting an inquiry. All unsolicited proposals will be automatically declined without review.

If the Program Officer determines that an idea/project has some merit, then CLF will request a one-to-two page letter of inquiry (documents exceeding two pages will be automatically declined) outlining the specific details of the proposal. This request does not guarantee approval, however.

All Program Officers can be reached at 518-877-6701. Direct extensions are included in the listings.

Education:

Rosemary Weaver McKenna, Esq.
General Counsel & Senior Program Officer - Education
E-mail: rmckenna@charitableleadership.org
Ext: 309

Housing:

William Dessingue, Jr.
Senior Program Officer - Housing
Executive Director - Charitable Venture Foundation
E-mail: wdessingue@charitableleadership.org
Ext: 305

Medical Affairs:

Jennifer L. Cornell
Senior Program Officer - Medical Affairs
E-mail: jcornell@charitableleadership.org
Ext: 302

Mini-Grants:

E-mail: minigrants@charitableleadership.org
Ext: 301


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Evaluation Process:

All grant applications submitted to CLF are reviewed, considered, and approved in connection with an established grant process. The Foundation awards grants, loans, and technical assistance to legally incorporated, IRS 501(c)(3) charitable organizations for projects, programs, and capacity building appropriate to its mission.

CLF does not normally fund organizations with substantial financial resources or arts or cultural organizations, unless the proposed project presents a compelling need or opportunity and substantially matches the funding criteria.

Any grants to religious organizations will be restricted to non-sectarian purposes. Grants are not awarded to individuals or to organizations where prohibited by the Internal Revenue Service Code.

Since CLF’s original focus was directed toward meeting the social needs of people in the Foundation’s home region, therefore, preference is given to projects in upstate New York. However, projects in any geographic area of the United States will be considered.

There are no upper limits of funding. Basically, the projected result must be worth the investment. The minimum financial assistance awarded is $20,000.

For specific application, evaluation, and funding questions not addressed above please consult Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

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Funding Criteria:

Learn more about the specific program standards and organizational characteristics CLF looks for when choosing programs and projects to fund

Program Standards:

Below are the five key factors CLF evaluates when considering programs for funding:

1. Innovation - A new, perhaps unusual, approach will be used to address a defined need.
2. Effectiveness - Tangible, measurable results will have a significant impact on the problem being addressed.
3. Potential for systematic change -
   a.Long-term solutions that will be effective, not just alleviation of symptoms.
   b.Successfully implemented programs will be able to be replicated or expanded.
   
   
4. Evidence of sound management - The program will be implemented according to a business plan that:
   a. Outlines a clear plan of action for achieving program goals and objectives.
   b. Contains a clearly organized, reasonably priced, thorough, 3-5 year budget.
   c. Provides details of a well-planned, realistic funding strategy for continuation of the program.
   d. The organization and its management has the capability and capacity to successfully implement the proposed program.
   
5. Financial need -
   a. Seed funds are required in order to develop additional sources of funding or attain self-sufficiency.
   b. It is unlikely that the project will attract substantial funding from other/traditional sources.
   c. Medical Research will also be considered based on the potential return of the grant from royalties paid to CLF.
   

Organizational Characteristics

After evaluating the program, CLF evaluates the organization requesting funding based on the three factors listed below:

1. Entrepreneurial Leadership - Key personnel have the ability to identify a need, envision a solution, organize and operate a responsive program, and assume the risks inherent in the process.

2. Focus - Organizational resources are concentrated on the provision of high quality services, which advance the goals of the organization.

3. Fiscal Responsibility - Financial policies and practices of the organization meet generally accepted accounting standards, conform to government guidelines, adhere to donor restrictions, and generally support the continuation and expansion of services.

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