Knapp-Swezey Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $2,868,292 (2023)
Total Assets: $17.9 million (2024)
Grant Range: $25,000 (median) - $2,700,000 (major gift to Stony Brook Children's)
Average Grant Size: $82,900
Geographic Focus: Town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County, NY
Number of Grants (2023): 37 awards

Contact Details

Address: PO Box 2549, Patchogue, NY 11772
Phone: (631) 687-3406
EIN: 11-3038738

Overview

The Knapp-Swezey Foundation Inc is a private foundation established in 1990 and based in Patchogue, New York. With total assets of approximately $17.9 million as of 2024, the foundation focuses its grantmaking exclusively on nonprofit organizations serving the Town of Brookhaven in Suffolk County, New York. The foundation has demonstrated particular commitment to healthcare, especially pediatric care, having contributed over $14.4 million to Stony Brook Children's Hospital since 2010. Led by President Priscilla Knapp and Treasurer William Knapp, along with approximately 13 trustees including multiple Knapp and Swezey family members, the foundation represents a multi-generational commitment to supporting their local community. In 2023, the foundation distributed nearly $2.9 million across 37 grants, with individual awards ranging from modest community grants to transformational multi-million dollar gifts.

Funding Priorities

Geographic Restrictions

All funded projects must be located in the Town of Brookhaven in Suffolk County, New York. This is a strict requirement and organizations outside this geographic area are not eligible.

Priority Areas

Healthcare: The foundation has shown strong commitment to healthcare institutions, particularly pediatric care. Notable funding includes:

Over $14.4 million total impact to Stony Brook Children's Hospital since 2010
A $2.7 million gift in 2024 that completed a $9 million matching challenge
A previous $2.5 million matching challenge launched in 2015

Community Support: Based on grant distribution data showing 37 awards with a median grant of $25,000, the foundation supports a diverse range of community organizations beyond major healthcare institutions.

Grant Size Distribution

The foundation makes grants across a wide spectrum:

Median grant: $25,000
Average grant: $82,900
Major grants: Up to $2.7 million for transformational projects
The significant difference between median and average indicates the foundation makes both numerous smaller community grants and occasional large institutional gifts

What They Don't Fund

Based on their geographic restrictions:

Organizations outside the Town of Brookhaven
Projects serving areas outside Suffolk County, NY

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees and Officers

Leadership:

Priscilla Knapp, President
William Knapp, Treasurer

Trustees (includes family members):

David Knapp
Michele Knapp
Jerry Knapp
Jane Knapp
Allison Knapp
John J. Roe
John Swezey
Dorothy Swezey
Carolyn Maust
Danielle Sangiovanni
Jesse Sangiovanni

The foundation's board reflects multi-generational family involvement from both the Knapp and Swezey families, demonstrating a sustained commitment to local philanthropy.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Knapp-Swezey Foundation does not have confirmed application deadlines and operates on a rolling basis. The foundation does not appear to have a public online application portal or formal application guidelines publicly available.

Fiscal Year: The foundation's fiscal year ends in June.

Application Method: Given the lack of public application procedures, organizations interested in funding should contact the foundation directly:

Phone: (631) 687-3406
Mail: PO Box 2549, Patchogue, NY 11772

Decision Timeline

No specific decision timelines are publicly documented. As a private foundation operating without fixed deadlines, decision-making likely occurs at regular trustee meetings throughout the year.

Success Rates

Based on available data:

2023: 37 grants awarded
2022: 41 grants awarded
2021: 47 grants awarded

While total application numbers are not publicly available, the foundation maintains a consistent grantmaking portfolio of 35-50 grants annually.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication restrictions are documented. The foundation's long-term relationship with organizations like Stony Brook Children's Hospital (supported since 2010) suggests they value ongoing partnerships with effective organizations.

Application Success Factors

Given the limited public information about the foundation's formal preferences, the following insights can be drawn from their documented giving patterns:

Geographic Alignment is Critical: The foundation has a strict geographic focus on the Town of Brookhaven in Suffolk County. Organizations must clearly demonstrate they serve this specific area.

Long-term Partnership Potential: The foundation's 14-year, $14.4 million relationship with Stony Brook Children's Hospital demonstrates they value sustained partnerships with organizations making measurable community impact.

Matching Grant Responsiveness: The foundation has created multiple matching challenges (including a $2.5 million challenge in 2015 and serving as the completing donor for a $9 million match), suggesting they may be responsive to proposals that leverage additional community support.

Range of Grant Sizes: With grants ranging from $25,000 (median) to multi-million dollar gifts, the foundation supports both grassroots community organizations and major institutional projects. Applicants should request amounts appropriate to their organization's scale and project scope.

Healthcare Focus: While not exclusively focused on healthcare, the foundation's documented major gifts have been to healthcare institutions, particularly those serving children. Healthcare organizations in Brookhaven should consider the foundation a strong prospect.

Community Connection: As a foundation run by local families (Knapp andSwezeySwezey), demonstrating deep roots in and commitment to the Brookhaven community likely resonates with trustees.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Geographic eligibility is non-negotiable: Only organizations serving the Town of Brookhaven in Suffolk County, NY should apply
Direct contact recommended: Without public application guidelines, call (631) 687-3406 to inquire about the foundation's current priorities and application process
Consider matching grant opportunities: The foundation has a history of creating matching challenges to leverage community support
Scale your request appropriately: The foundation makes grants from $25,000 to multi-million dollars; request amounts that match your organization's capacity and the project's scope
Emphasize local impact: Demonstrate deep community connections and measurable benefits to Brookhaven residents
Long-term relationship potential: The foundation maintains multi-year partnerships with effective organizations rather than one-time grants
Healthcare organizations are strong prospects: Particularly those serving children and families in the community

References

Research conducted December 22, 2025