Trustees Of Columbia University - Funder Overview

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $6,436,351,941 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 2-3 months (applications reviewed in March, decisions in May)
• Grant Range: Varies by programme (MCNF up to $5,000; CCS amounts vary annually)
• Geographic Focus: Upper Manhattan (Harlem, Morningside Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood)

Contact Details

Columbia Community Service (CCS)

• Contact: Joan Griffith-Lee, Director
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.communityservice.columbia.edu/

Medical Center Neighborhood Fund (MCNF)

• Email: acp@cumc.columbia.edu
• Address: Office of Academic & Community Partnerships, 51 Audubon Avenue, 8th Floor, Suite 800, New York, NY 10032
• Website: https://www.acp.cuimc.columbia.edu/community-engagement/community-connections/medical-center-neighborhood-fund

Overview

The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York (EIN: 13-5598093) is the governing body and legal entity for Columbia University, founded in 1754. With a $14.8 billion endowment (FY2024) and total net assets of $19.8 billion, Columbia is one of the world's leading research institutions. While the Trustees primarily receive grants for research and educational purposes, they also administer two significant community grant-making programmes that have distributed millions of dollars to local nonprofits over the past several decades.

Columbia Community Service (CCS), established 79 years ago, raises more than $350,000 annually from university employees and retirees, distributing 100% of contributions to over 60 nonprofit organisations in Harlem and Morningside Heights. The Medical Center Neighborhood Fund (MCNF), created in 1987, has donated over $2 million to support more than 100 organisations in Washington Heights and Inwood. These programmes reflect Columbia's commitment to being an engaged neighbour in Upper Manhattan.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

Columbia Community Service (CCS)

• Grant amounts vary based on annual appeal results
• Recent annual distributions: $240,000-$300,000 to 47-52 organisations
• Application method: Letter of Inquiry process (spring deadline)
• Geographic focus: North of West 86th Street, south of West 155th Street, between Fifth Avenue and Hudson River
• Distribution timeline: June each year

Medical Center Neighborhood Fund (MCNF)

• Grant amount: Up to $5,000 per organisation
• Application deadline: Annual cycle (typically late January)
• Application methods: Online form, PDF download, mail, or email
• Geographic focus: Washington Heights and Inwood
• Recent annual distribution: 58 organisations (2023)

Priority Areas

CCS Priority Areas:

• Hunger relief and food security
• Educational enrichment (STEM, arts, literacy) for youth
• Social services and community support
• Arts and cultural programmes
• Health and wellness programmes
• Youth development and academic enrichment
• Affordable housing initiatives

MCNF Priority Areas:

• Recreational programmes for local residents
• Social services
• Arts and cultural activities
• Essential community services

What They Don't Fund

CCS Requirements:

• Organisations with annual operating budgets exceeding $1 million (lower priority)
• Organisations without 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status (unless using fiscal conduit)
• Programmes outside defined geographic catchment areas

MCNF Exclusions:

• Lobbying activities
• Partisan political activities
• Organisations not headquartered in or serving Washington Heights/Inwood

Governance and Leadership

Joan E. Griffith-Lee, Director of Columbia Community Service

Joan Griffith-Lee has been with Columbia University for close to 30 years and holds three degrees from Columbia: BA from the School of General Studies, MPA from the School of International and Public Affairs, and a master's in nonprofit management from the School of Professional Studies. She is charged with engaging the University's community around campaigns that improve people's lives.

Under her leadership, CCS raises more than $350,000 per year, giving every dollar to local nonprofit organisations in Uptown Manhattan. She works to expand the scope of the CCS Annual Appeal, which solicits employees and retirees of Columbia University, Barnard College, and Teachers College for contributions. The campaign also includes food, clothing, and back-to-school drives, as well as coordination of in-kind donations.

Governance Structure

Overall governance of Columbia University lies in the hands of its Board of Trustees, who select the president, oversee all faculty and senior administrative appointments, monitor the budget, supervise the endowment, and protect University property. The Office of the Secretary, established in 1895, has primary responsibility for facilitating University governance and directly supports the work of the Board of Trustees.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Columbia Community Service (CCS):

• Updates regarding the Letter of Inquiry process are available in the spring
• Contact Joan Griffith-Lee at [email protected] for questions
• Applications are reviewed in March
• Site visits are conducted in April as part of the review process
• Grant funding amounts determined in mid-to-late May
• Grants distributed in June

Medical Center Neighborhood Fund (MCNF):

• Annual application deadline typically in late January
• Four submission methods available:
  1. Online form: https://cumc.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0UMKaVfKkoGsmGy
  2. PDF download from website
  3. Mail or hand-delivery to Office of Academic & Community Partnerships
  4. Email to acp@cumc.columbia.edu

Required Materials:

• Proof of 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status (or fiscal conduit documentation)
• W-9 form
• Revenue information
• Contact information for organisation representative
• Programme materials, invitations, and flyers
• 2-3 photographs of programmes

Decision Timeline

CCS Timeline:

• Spring: Letter of Inquiry opens
• March: Applications reviewed
• April: Site visits conducted
• Mid-to-late May: Grant funding amounts determined
• June: Grants distributed

MCNF Timeline:

• Late January: Application deadline
• Review period (timing not publicly specified)
• October: Annual Awards Ceremony (based on 36th ceremony in October 2023)

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not publicly disclosed. However, based on recent data:

CCS: Awards 47-52 grants annually from several hundred potential applicants in the geographic area

MCNF: Awards grants to approximately 58 organisations annually

Reapplication Policy

Organisations can reapply annually. CCS added 11 new organisations to its grantee list in its 75th Annual Appeal (2024), indicating they welcome applications from new organisations while continuing to support past grantees.

Application Success Factors

Geographic Alignment is Critical

Both programmes have strict geographic requirements. CCS prioritises organisations serving the area north of West 86th Street, south of West 155th Street, between Fifth Avenue and the Hudson River. MCNF requires organisations to be headquartered in or have a satellite office serving Washington Heights or Inwood.

Smaller Organisations Are Prioritised

CCS explicitly states that "organisations with annual operating budgets of one million dollars or less are prioritised for funding." This suggests the programmes are designed to support grassroots community organisations rather than large established nonprofits.

Demonstrate Sound Fiscal Practices

Applicant organisations must "demonstrate sound fiscal practices" according to CCS guidelines. Ensure your financial documentation is complete, accurate, and demonstrates responsible stewardship of resources.

Mission-Driven Community Impact

Applications should demonstrate how the organisation extends "their mission of making a difference in the community." Focus on tangible community benefits and outcomes rather than organisational operations.

Recent Successful Grantees Include:

• Behind the Book (education)
• Harlem Lacrosse (youth athletics and academics)
• Courtney's Stars of Tomorrow (youth development)
• Service Program for Older People (SPOP) (senior services)
• Association to Benefit Children (child welfare)
• DOROT (intergenerational programmes)
• Friends of Morningside Park (parks and recreation)
• Moving for Life (health and wellness)

Site Visits Are Part of the Process

CCS conducts site visits in April as part of the review process. Ensure your organisation is prepared to showcase your work and can host a visit from grant reviewers.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic requirements are non-negotiable - Ensure your organisation serves the specific neighbourhoods defined by each programme before applying
• Smaller budgets have an advantage - Organisations with budgets under $1 million are explicitly prioritised for CCS funding
• Employee-funded model means predictable annual cycles - Both programmes operate on consistent annual timelines, making it easy to plan ahead
• 100% of donations go to grantees - There are no administrative fees, meaning every dollar raised goes directly to community organisations
• Site visits are standard - Be prepared to host grant reviewers and showcase your programmes in action
• Long-term relationships are valued - Many organisations receive funding year after year, suggesting consistency and proven impact are rewarded
• New organisations are welcome - Despite long-term grantee relationships, both programmes regularly add new organisations to their portfolios

References

1. Columbia Community Service - Grant Application Process. https://www.communityservice.columbia.edu/content/grant-application-process (Accessed December 2024)

2. Columbia Community Service - CCS Grantees. https://www.communityservice.columbia.edu/content/ccs-grantees (Accessed December 2024)

3. Columbia Community Service Celebrates the Grantees of the 78th Annual Appeal. https://www.communityservice.columbia.edu/news/columbia-community-service-celebrates-grantees-78th-annual-appeal (Accessed December 2024)

4. Medical Center Neighborhood Fund. CUIMC Office of Academic and Community Partnerships. https://www.acp.cuimc.columbia.edu/community-engagement/community-connections/medical-center-neighborhood-fund (Accessed December 2024)

5. Apply to the Fund - Medical Center Neighborhood Fund. https://www.acp.cuimc.columbia.edu/how-give-back/neighborhood-fund/apply-fund (Accessed December 2024)

6. Medical Center Fund Has Helped Neighborhood Nonprofits for Decades. Columbia University Irving Medical Center. https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/news/medical-center-fund-has-helped-neighborhood-nonprofits-decades (Accessed December 2024)

7. Joan E. Griffith-Lee Profile. Office of Public Affairs, Columbia University. https://communications.news.columbia.edu/directory/joan-e-griffith-lee (Accessed December 2024)

8. Joan Griffith-Lee: Marrying the Art of Compassion to the Business of Fundraising. Columbia University School of Professional Studies. https://sps.columbia.edu/news/joan-griffith-lee-marrying-art-compassion-business-fundraising (Accessed December 2024)

9. Trustees Of Columbia University - Nonprofit Explorer. ProPublica. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/135598093 (Accessed December 2024)

10. 2023 Form 990 for Columbia University. Cause IQ. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/view_990/135598093/946d69014f245b93c1d10a4c83bc0c2c (Accessed December 2024)

11. Financial Statements Released for Fiscal 2024. Columbia Finance. https://www.finance.columbia.edu/news/financial-statements-released-fiscal-2024 (Accessed December 2024)

12. Columbia's endowment rises to $14.8 billion. Columbia Spectator, October 16, 2024. https://www.columbiaspectator.com/news/2024/10/16/columbias-endowment-rises-to-148-billion-on-pace-to-outperform-peer-institutions-in-investment-returns/ (Accessed December 2024)