Fred L. Emerson Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2,396,399 (2023)
• Total Grants Since Inception: $155+ million
• Assets: $95.5 million (2023)
• Number of Grants: 91 awards in 2023
• Grant Range: $425 - $206,000
• Median Grant: $10,000
• Application Deadline: Rolling basis
• Geographic Focus: Auburn and surrounding Central New York area

Contact Details

Address: 5654 South Street Road, Auburn, NY 13021
Phone: 315-253-9621
Email: dan@emersonfoundation.com
Website: www.emersonfoundation.com
Executive Director: Daniel J. Fessenden

Overview

Established in 1932 by Fred L. Emerson, president of Dunn & McCarthy Inc., a women's shoe manufacturer, the Fred L. Emerson Foundation has provided over $155 million in grants over its 90+ year history. With current assets of $95.5 million, the Foundation distributed $2.4 million across 91 grants in 2023. As a private family foundation, the fourth and fifth generation descendants of Fred L. Emerson remain actively engaged in setting grantmaking priorities, continuing his legacy of supporting core community organizations in Auburn and the surrounding central New York area. The Foundation operates with a responsive grantmaking approach rather than predetermined categories, focusing on projects that are compelling, impactful, and sustainable. In 2023, the Foundation made a strategic decision to re-focus its efforts on the local Auburn community while maintaining support for private higher education institutions with initiatives that directly impact Auburn.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Foundation accepts proposals for three types of support:

• Capital Support: Infrastructure, facilities, equipment, and capital campaigns
• Programmatic Support: Specific programs and initiatives
• Unrestricted Funding: General operating support (though the Foundation strongly discourages proposals seeking support solely for recurring operating expenses)

Priority Areas

The Foundation provides grants across multiple sectors:

• Community Development: Including parks and recreation projects
• Education: Private colleges and universities, particularly initiatives with direct Auburn community impact
• Health and Human Services: Social service agencies, youth organizations, mental health initiatives
• Cultural Programs: Performing arts, libraries, historic preservation
• Community Funds: Supporting collaborative community initiatives

The Foundation is particularly interested in:

• Innovative projects addressing identified needs
• Initiatives with potential for replicable outcomes
• Projects involving multiple funders and partnerships
• Proposals addressing an organization's highest priority where the Foundation's investment will make a critical and significant difference
• Projects that maintain or improve organizational sustainability

What They Don't Fund

• Grants to individuals
• For-profit organizations
• Fundraising events or sponsorships
• Political activities
• Proposals seeking support solely for recurring operating expenses

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

Officers:

• Lori E. Robinson - President
• Sally E. Wagner - Secretary
• Heather A. Emerson - Treasurer

Board Members:

• W. Eric Emerson
• W. Gary Emerson
• Ann M. Huston
• Darlene G. Motley
• Katelyn M. Perkins
• Kristen E. Rubacka

Staff

Daniel J. Fessenden - Executive Director

The Foundation operates under the leadership of the Emerson family along with independent directors. The fourth and fifth generation descendants are actively engaged in setting the Foundation's grantmaking priorities, ensuring continuity with founder Fred L. Emerson's values while adapting to contemporary community needs.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

All proposals must be submitted through the Foundation's online application portal at www.emersonfoundation.com. Organizations are encouraged to review the Foundation's Grant Guidelines before applying.

Application Process:

1. Review grant guidelines on the Foundation's website
2. Complete the Emerson Foundation Grant Application Form through the online portal
3. Submit required documentation
4. Contact the Foundation office if questions arise during the application process

Decision Timeline

Proposals are accepted and considered on an ongoing rolling basis - there are no specific application deadlines. Decision timelines are not publicly specified, though applicants can contact the Foundation for guidance.

Evaluation and Reporting

Grant recipients are expected to provide an evaluation report upon completion of the funded project. The report should include:

• Specific impact of the project
• How the grant helped leverage additional funding or establish new partnerships
• Benefits and challenges experienced during the project
• Updated income and expense budget

Interim reports may be requested on a case-by-case basis.

Success Rates

While specific success rates are not published, the Foundation distributed 91 grants in 2023, 84 grants in 2022, and 79 grants in 2021, indicating steady grant activity and gradual growth in the number of awards.

Reapplication Policy

The Foundation's reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly specified. Contact the Foundation directly for guidance on reapplication timelines.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Foundation's stated priorities and recent grantmaking patterns:

Alignment with Foundation Values:

• Demonstrate clear connection to Auburn and central New York community needs
• Show how your project addresses an identified gap or need
• Emphasize innovation and potential for replicable outcomes
• Highlight sustainability beyond the grant period

Strategic Approach:

• The Foundation "prefers to support projects that involve other funders" - demonstrate collaborative funding partnerships and how their investment will leverage additional resources
• Focus on projects addressing your organization's "highest priority" rather than peripheral programs
• Show how the Foundation's investment will make a "critical and significant difference"
• Avoid proposals focused solely on recurring operating expenses

Project Design:

• Projects should be "compelling, impactful, and/or sustainable"
• Demonstrate potential for outcomes that "can be replicated"
• Show clear evaluation plans and measurable outcomes
• Consider projects that improve organizational sustainability

Recent Funding Examples (2023):

• Seward House Museum: $206,000 toward permanent endowment fund
• The Rev Theatre Company: $198,000 for general operating support, apartment renovations, and housing needs
• City of Auburn: $150,000 for Casey Park Skate Park
• Berea College: $150,000 for technology and design buildings campaign
• The Upstate Foundation: Campaign for Child and Adolescent Mental Health

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic focus is paramount: The Foundation has strategically re-focused on the local Auburn community - clearly demonstrate local impact even for regional or national organizations
• Collaboration matters: Explicitly show other funding partners and how the Foundation's grant will help leverage additional support
• Innovation and replicability: Frame your project as addressing an identified need with potential for outcomes that can be replicated elsewhere
• Sustainability over operations: Focus on capital, programmatic, or transformational unrestricted support rather than recurring operating expenses
• Rolling applications: No deadlines mean you can apply when your project is ready, but also means competition is ongoing
• Family legacy continues: The Foundation maintains founder Fred L. Emerson's values of humility and community investment while adapting to contemporary needs
• Evaluation expectations: Be prepared to demonstrate specific impact, partnership development, and honest assessment of challenges as well as successes

References

• Fred L. Emerson Foundation official website: www.emersonfoundation.com (accessed January 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Fred L Emerson Foundation Inc (EIN 156017650): https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/156017650
• Instrumentl 990 Report: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/fred-l-emerson-foundation-inc
• Foundation Directory Online (Candid): https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=EMER001
• Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce Member Directory: https://cayugacountychamber.com/member-directory/human-services-and-non-profits/fred-l-emerson-foundation/
• Auburn Pub - Community Celebrates Emerson Park article: https://auburnpub.com/news/local/community-celebrates-emerson-park/
• Various searches conducted January 2026 revealing grant guidelines, board composition, recent grants, and foundation history