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Ramapo Trust

Annual Giving
$5.8M
Grant Range
$10K - $0.8M

Ramapo Trust - Funder Overview

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $5.8 million (2023)
  • Total Assets: $62.49 million (2024)
  • Grant Range: Varies by program; historically $10,000 - $750,000
  • Number of Grants: 29 grants (2023), 61 grants (2022)
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily New Jersey, New York, and Florida
  • Application Process: No public application process; part of invitation-only Brookdale Foundation Group

Contact Details

Address: 300 Frank W. Burr Blvd, Suite 13, Teaneck, NJ 07666 Phone: 201-836-4602 Email: vcb@brookdalefoundation.org Website: www.brookdalefoundation.org EIN: 13-6594279

Key Staff:

Overview

Ramapo Trust was established in 1973 in New York and is one of three sister foundations comprising the Brookdale Foundation Group, alongside the Brookdale Foundation (EIN 13-6076863) and Glendale Foundation. All three were endowed by the Schwartz family—brothers Henry, Irving, Robert, Benjamin, and Arnold Schwartz—and share common leadership, offices, and a unified mission to enhance the quality of life of older adults.

With assets of $62.49 million and annual charitable spending of $2.71 million (2024 figures), Ramapo Trust focuses on gerontological and geriatric research and innovative services, with additional support for health, higher education, and other educational initiatives. The trust operates through the Brookdale Foundation Group's established programs rather than accepting unsolicited grant applications.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Ramapo Trust, operating within the Brookdale Foundation Group framework, supports three primary initiatives:

1. National Group Respite Program

  • Grant Amount: $20,000 first year, with opportunity for second-tier grant of $10,000
  • Focus: Seed grants for expansion or start-up of community-based day programs for people with dementia, their families, and care partners
  • Application Method: Periodic RFP (most recent deadline July 2024)

2. Relatives as Parents Program (RAPP)

  • Grant Amount: $15,000 over two years ($10,000 year one, $5,000 year two)
  • Focus: Services for grandparents and other relatives who have taken on surrogate parenting responsibilities
  • Target Population: Relative caregivers caring for children outside the foster care system
  • Matching Requirement: Cash or in-kind matching support required
  • Application Method: Annual RFP (recent deadline June 2025)
  • Program Director: Melinda Perez Porter

3. Leadership in Aging Fellowship Program

  • Focus: Supports emerging leaders in geriatrics and gerontology
  • Target Audience: Researchers conducting work on aging in medical, behavioral, and social sciences, as well as policy and the humanities
  • Grant Range: Specific amounts not publicly disclosed; historical range across all programs $10,000-$750,000

Priority Areas

  • Gerontological and geriatric research
  • Innovative services for older adults
  • Memory loss programs for people with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders
  • Services for family caregivers
  • Intergenerational programs (through RAPP)
  • Leadership development in aging field
  • Health and higher education (legacy focus area)

What They Don't Fund

  • Capital improvements or operating budgets
  • Individual applicants (only 501(c)(3) or equivalent nonprofit organizations)
  • Organizations outside their geographic focus areas (with rare exceptions)
  • Programs not aligned with aging/gerontology focus or RAPP mission

Governance and Leadership

Ramapo Trust Leadership

Trustees:

  • Stephen L. Schwartz (also served as Trustee until 2025)
  • Natahir Lety Schwartz
  • Arthur Norman Field
  • Karen S. Hart
  • Mary Ann Van Clief

Top Compensated Staff:

  • Melinda Perez Porter (RAPP Program Director): $114,176
  • Stephen L. Schwartz (Trustee): $108,000
  • Josephine Condegni (Accounting): $74,713

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Important: The Ramapo Trust and Brookdale Foundation Group do not accept unsolicited grant applications. However, they do operate specific grant programs with periodic Requests for Proposals (RFPs):

For National Group Respite Program:

For RAPP (Relatives as Parents Program):

  • Monitor for annual RFP announcements
  • Applications due typically in June
  • Submit to: The Brookdale Foundation Group, 300 Frank W. Burr Blvd., Suite 13, Teaneck, NJ 07666
  • Email submissions: rapprfp@brookdalefoundation.org
  • Contact: Melinda Perez Porter, Director (mpp@brookdalefoundation.org)

For Other Opportunities:

  • The foundation "welcomes contact" from interested organizations
  • Contact general inquiries: (201) 836-4602 or vcb@brookdalefoundation.org
  • Organizations can introduce themselves and their work even outside of active RFP periods

Getting on Their Radar

While Ramapo Trust does not have a public application process outside of specific RFPs, organizations can:

  • Establish initial contact: The foundation welcomes introductory communications from organizations doing relevant work in aging services
  • Monitor periodic RFPs: Sign up for announcements through the Brookdale Foundation Group website to receive notifications when RFPs are released
  • Build relationships with program staff: Contact program directors directly (e.g., Melinda Perez Porter for RAPP) to discuss your organization's work and alignment with foundation priorities
  • Attend training conferences: Selected RAPP grantees are invited to National Orientation and Training Conferences, which provide networking opportunities with foundation staff

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines vary by program:

  • National Group Respite Program: Awards announced in fall (for summer application deadlines)
  • RAPP: Timeline not publicly specified; contact program for details
  • General processing time not publicly disclosed

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not publicly disclosed. However:

  • The foundation made 29 grants in 2023 (down from 61 in 2022)
  • This suggests selective grantmaking with competitive processes
  • Grant amounts totaled $5.8 million in 2023 across 29 awards

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly disclosed. Organizations should contact the foundation directly regarding reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's stated priorities and program guidelines:

  • Geographic alignment: Organizations in New Jersey, New York, and Florida have the strongest chance, particularly for memory disorder programs
  • Mission alignment: Strong focus on aging-related services, with particular emphasis on innovative approaches
  • Collaborative approach: Evidence of partnerships and cross-sector collaboration strengthens applications
  • Sustainability planning: Second-year funding contingent on progress and potential for continuity
  • Matching support: Demonstrated ability to leverage foundation investment with additional resources
  • Innovation: The foundation seeks "innovative services" for older adults—novel approaches are valued
  • Intergenerational impact: RAPP specifically values programs connecting generations
  • Social model emphasis: Group Respite program focuses on "social model" approaches (non-medical, community-based)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  1. Part of a larger group: Ramapo Trust operates within the Brookdale Foundation Group—research all three sister foundations to understand full scope

  2. No unsolicited applications, but doors are open: While there's no general application process, specific RFPs are released periodically, and the foundation welcomes introductory contact

  3. Geographic sweet spot: Organizations in New Jersey, New York, and Florida have the strongest chance, though national programs accept applications from across the U.S.

  4. Focus on aging is paramount: Since 1984, the foundation's primary mission is enhancing quality of life for older adults

  5. Partnership is essential: Successful applications demonstrate strong collaborative partnerships, particularly for RAPP programs

  6. Timing matters: Monitor www.brookdalefoundation.org for RFP announcements

  7. Modest grants, significant impact: Grant amounts are relatively modest ($10,000-$20,000 for seed grants) but provide critical startup funding

References

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