The Foundation makes grant decisions in December and June. Requests for both general operating support and program support are considered. Grants are made only to tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations. Before applying, please review our funding priorities and restrictions. Feel free to contact our offices about whether your program(s) fit within the Foundation's guidelines. Please note that we make very few new grants each year.
As an initial approach to the Foundation, prospective applicants should submit a two- to three-page letter of inquiry. The letter should include the following information:
- A description of the organization’s mission and core activities
- A description of the program(s) and/or activities for which support is requested, including objectives and population served
- Organization budget and program budget (if applicable)
Please do not send full proposals unless requested by the Foundation after review of a letter of inquiry. Full grant proposals should include the following:
- A narrative of seven to ten pages describing your organization, its history and mission, and the program(s) and/or activities for which funding is requested
- Organization budget and program budget (if applicable)
- Most recent audited financial statement
- IRS certification of 501(c)(3) status
- Complete list of income sources, including grant amounts and restrictions
- Board of Directors list
The Foundation accepts, but does not require, the New York Area Common Application Form.
Letters of inquiry are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Letters of inquiry and proposals should be sent to:
- Leslie Gimbel
- President & CEO
- Bernard F. & Alva B. Gimbel Foundation, Inc.
- 271 Madison Avenue, Suite 605
- New York, NY 10016
If you have any further questions regarding our guidelines or application process, we encourage you to contact our offices.