The Dyson Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $12.9 million (2023)
• Total Assets: $246.9 million (2024)
• Decision Time: 3-6 months
• Grant Range: $3,000 - $360,000+
• Geographic Focus: Mid-Hudson Valley, NY (6 counties)

Contact Details

Website: https://dysonfoundation.org
Phone: (845) 677-0644
Address: 25 Halcyon Road, Millbrook, NY 12545
Pre-Application Support: Available by phone

Overview

The Dyson Foundation was established in 1956 by Charles H. and Margaret M. Dyson as a vehicle for family giving. Since inception, the foundation has awarded more than $335 million in grants. With total assets of $246.9 million and annual grantmaking of approximately $12-18 million, the foundation is led by President & CEO Andrea L. Reynolds, who succeeded longtime president Diana M. Gurieva in 2015. The foundation's strategic focus centers on supporting the most vulnerable people and communities in the Mid-Hudson Valley region, with particular emphasis on organizations addressing basic needs such as food, housing, health care, and other human services. The foundation prioritizes strengthening the nonprofit sector itself through general operating support, capacity building, and strategic restructuring initiatives.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

General Operating Support: $90,000 - $360,000 (multi-year)

• For organizations with proven track records and prior Dyson funding
• Application: Letter of inquiry 6 months before fiscal year start

Designated Project Grants: Variable amounts

• For specific programs impacting economically disadvantaged residents
• Application: Online Grants Portal (rolling basis)

Mini-Grant Program: Up to $15,000

• Capacity building through consultants, training, conferences
• Priority: Organizations with budgets under $1 million
• Application: One per calendar year (rolling basis)

Strategic Restructuring Initiative: Up to $75,000 total across 4 stages

• Supports collaboration, consolidation, or merger exploration
• Application: Sequential funding through stages

Cash Flow Loans: $25,000 - $150,000

• Interest-free, up to 12 months
• For organizations awaiting confirmed contracts/grants
• Application: First-come, first-served (rolling)

Priority Areas

1. Strengthening Nonprofits (capacity building)
2. Health (including behavioral health access)
3. Safety Net Programs (food, housing, human services)
4. Enhancing Education (youth development)
5. Economic Vitality (with charitable purpose)

What They Don't Fund

• Individuals, fiscal agents, government units
• Private schools, fire/rescue squads
• Arts, historic preservation, environmental projects
• Animal therapy programs
• Fundraising events, endowments, debt reduction
• Organizations without Mid-Hudson Valley focus

Governance and Leadership

Board Chair: Robert R. Dyson
Vice Chair: Molly Dyson-Schwery
Treasurer: Christopher C. Dyson
President & CEO: Andrea L. Reynolds (since 2015)

Andrea L. Reynolds on nonprofit resilience: "Thanks to unparalleled and timely financial support from the federal and state government, along with significant contributions from private donors and philanthropic organizations, the nonprofit sector was able to do its job when its services were needed most."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

1. Review eligibility quiz on website
2. Submit Letter of Inquiry via online Grants Portal
3. If invited, submit full proposal with:
   • Organizational and project budgets with narratives
   • Audited financial statements
   • Current financial statements
4. Staff review, possible site visit
5. Board decision at quarterly meetings

Decision Timeline

• Letter of Inquiry to Award: 3-6 months
• Board meets quarterly (March, June, September, December)
• Pre-application consultation available: (845) 677-0644

Success Rates

• 288 grants awarded in 2023
• 317 grants awarded in 2024
• Collaborative approach with aligned applicants

Reapplication Policy

• Mini-grants: One per calendar year
• Cash flow loans: One per calendar year
• Other programs: Contact staff for guidance

Application Success Factors

Geographic Alignment: Must serve Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, and/or Ulster counties, with strongest consideration for Dutchess County programs.

Focus on Vulnerable Populations: Explicitly prioritizes organizations addressing basic needs (food, housing, health care) for economically disadvantaged residents.

Organizational Stability: For general operating support, requires 3+ years stable executive leadership, strong governance, and prior Dyson funding within 3 years.

Full Cost Accounting: Foundation specifically requests complete budget narratives including indirect costs and overhead.

Collaborative Approach: Staff work closely with applicants on proposal development - early engagement recommended.

Recent Success Examples:

• Arts Mid-Hudson: $90,000 multi-year general operating
• Worker Justice Center: $195,000 for Mid-Hudson Valley Office
• Child Care Council: $240,000 for tuition scholarships

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Call first: Pre-application consultation at (845) 677-0644 strongly recommended
• Geographic specificity required: Detail impact in the 6-county Mid-Hudson Valley region
• Frame in basic needs terms: Connect your work to food, housing, health care, or human services
• Allow 6 months lead time: Quarterly board meetings require advance planning
• Explore all programs: Consider mini-grants for capacity building or cash flow loans for bridge funding
• Include full costs: Don't underestimate indirect costs in budgets
• Build track record: Start with project support before seeking general operating funds

References

• Dyson Foundation Official Website: https://dysonfoundation.org (Accessed February 2026)
• Dyson Foundation Grantmaking Guidelines: https://dysonfoundation.org/grantmaking/
• Dyson Foundation Apply & Report: https://dysonfoundation.org/apply-report/
• Dyson Foundation 2024 Grant Data: https://dysonfoundation.org/2024-grant-data/
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Form 990-PF: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/136084888
• Instrumentl 990 Report: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/dyson-foundation