Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation
The Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation provides financial support to organizations throughout southern Chautauqua County, New York with a focus on the arts, education, the environment, health and human resources, and youth. The Foundation honors the memory of its founder, Isabella M. Sheldon and her husband, Ralph C. Sheldon.
How to Apply
Grant requests for $2,500 or less may be submitted on a rolling basis when a specific need arises. These requests are reviewed and approved by the Executive Director. Please contact the Foundation directly if you have a specific need that requires funding that is $2,500 or less.
Grant requests for more than $2,500 require a letter of interest (LOI) to be submitted six weeks prior to each grant deadline. These requests are submitted online through the Chautauqua Grants website, and are followed up with a site visit by The Foundation’s Executive Director.
Types of Support
Operating
Capital (renovation, construction, equipment, capital campaigns)
Grant Range
Annual grant range per organization: $100 to $500,000
The Foundation will consider grant requests for more than $500,000, but larger grants will be divided into separate annual installments. An average size grant is in the $25,000-$50,000 range. The Foundation awards between $1.8 million and $2.2 million in grant funds each year.
Geographic Focus
Southern Chautauqua County
Eligibility
Loans or grants to individuals, scholarships, start-up funding for businesses, political candidates or lobbying, scientific research, or endowments.
501(c)3 non-profit status is required unless it is a government or religious organization.
The Sheldon Foundation only funds religious organizations if the program or project serves the greater community.
Expenses that have already occurred or that will occur before a funding decision is made are not eligible.
Organizations that do not exist within and or directly serve Southern Chautauqua County are not eligible.
Contact Information
Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation
217 North Main Street
Jamestown, NY 14701
Phone: (716) 664-9890
Website: www.rcsheldonfoundation.org
Contacts:
Leigh Rovegno, Executive Director, leigh@rcsheldonfoundation.org
Jan Salter, Administrative Assistant, jan@rcsheldonfoundation.org
Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9am to 5pm
