Field Hall Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: ~$800,000
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 3-4 months
• Grant Range: $5,000 - $50,000
• Geographic Focus: Dutchess, Putnam, and Westchester Counties, NY

Contact Details

• Website: fieldhallfoundation.org
• Phone: (914) 813-9100
• Program Officer: Patti Lavan Horvath - (914) 813-9103
• Email: phorvath@fieldhallfdn.org
• Pre-application Support: Strongly encouraged to contact Program Officer before submitting LOI

Overview

Field Hall Foundation is a private foundation established in 1986 in Cortlandt Manor, New York, with charitable roots dating to 1879 through Sister Louise Gardner Hall and Cortlandt de Peyster Field. Following the 2018 sale of Fieldhome care organization, the foundation launched its grant-making program in 2019, distributing $274,000 in its inaugural year. By 2024, annual giving reached approximately $800,000 across three grant cycles. With assets of $24.7 million, the foundation's mission focuses on improving lives of older adults and their caregivers in Dutchess, Putnam, and Westchester Counties. Since 2019, it has distributed over $5.2 million, prioritizing practical programs addressing seniors' basic needs.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Small Grants: Up to $15,000 - Program/project creation, expansion, support, minor capital improvements (Small Grant LOI form)
• Full Grants: $15,000 - $50,000 - Program/project creation, expansion, support (Full Grant LOI form)
• Exceptional Grants: Over $50,000 - Case-by-case basis, requires pre-discussion
• Application Method: Three fixed cycles annually (winter, spring, fall)

Priority Areas

• Food insecurity (meal delivery, food pantries, grocery access)
• Home-based care services
• Respite and support for caregivers
• Safety, security, and elder abuse prevention
• Social work and case management
• Transportation for older adults and caregivers

Priority given to: new projects, collaborative initiatives, first-time applicants

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations outside Dutchess, Putnam, Westchester Counties
• Organizations with budgets under $1 million
• Organizations without full-time paid executive director
• Programs not serving adults 60+ and caregivers
• For-profit entities

Governance and Leadership

Board Officers

• Jeffrey Sweet (Chairperson)
• Kevin Sunkel (Vice Chairperson)
• Frederick B. Miller (Treasurer)
• Field Horne (Secretary)

Board Members

• John R. Ahearn
• Carolyn R. Geisel
• Geraldine L. Kearse
• Alison J. Mazzoni

Staff

• John R. Ahearn (CEO)
• Rosanna Nardone (Director of Finance)
• Patti Lavan Horvath (Program Officer)

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications. Process:

1. Contact Program Officer Patti Lavan Horvath (914-813-9103) to discuss fit
2. Download appropriate LOI form from website
3. Submit LOI to phorvath@fieldhallfdn.org by deadline
4. Await invitation for full application
5. Submit full application if invited

Grants above $50,000 require pre-LOI discussion.

Decision Timeline

Three cycles annually with ~4-month timeline:

• Winter: LOI ~October 1 → Awards late January
• Spring: LOI late January → Awards late May
• Fall: LOI late May → Awards late September

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed. Grant volume:

• 2024: 53 grants (~$800,000)
• 2023: 59 grants
• 2022: 46 grants
• Average grant: ~$15,000

Reapplication Policy

Priority given to organizations not previously funded. No documented waiting period for reapplication.

Application Success Factors

• Geographic alignment: Must explicitly serve Dutchess, Putnam, or Westchester County
• Basic needs focus: Emphasize direct services - food, transport, safety, care
• First-time advantage: New applicants explicitly prioritized
• Highlight collaborations: Partnerships between organizations favored
• Pre-LOI contact essential: Contact Program Officer before submitting
• Meet eligibility: $1M+ budget, full-time paid ED required
• Appropriate scope: Most grants $10,000-$40,000 range
• Quantify impact: Document number of seniors 60+ served
• Align with priorities: Stay within six named focus areas

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic restriction is absolute - only three NY counties eligible
• Always call Program Officer Patti Lavan Horvath first - this is expected
• First-time applicants have competitive advantage - emphasize if applicable
• Three annual cycles provide multiple opportunities
• Keep requests $10,000-$40,000 for best success
• Collaborations are funding priority - highlight partnerships
• Focus on practical basic needs over innovation

References

1. Field Hall Foundation Website. fieldhallfoundation.org. Accessed February 2026.
2. Field Hall Foundation Grantmaking Guidelines. fieldhallfoundation.org/grantmaking-guidelines/
3. Field Hall Foundation How to Apply. fieldhallfoundation.org/how-to-apply/
4. Field Hall Foundation 2024 Grants. fieldhallfoundation.org/2024-grants/
5. Field Hall Foundation Board and Staff. fieldhallfoundation.org/board-and-staff/
6. "Field Hall Foundation awards $275,000 in grants." Mid Hudson News, November 4, 2024.
7. Field Hall Foundation IRS Form 990. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/133410437
8. Field Hall Foundation 990 Report Summary. Instrumentl. instrumentl.com/990-report/field-hall-foundation
9. Field Hall Foundation Profile. Cause IQ. causeiq.com/organizations/field-hall-foundation,133410437/