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A. Lindsay & Olive B. O'Connor Foundation

Annual Giving
$3.4M
Grant Range
$2K - $0.3M
Decision Time
2mo

A. Lindsay & Olive B. O'Connor Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $3.4 million
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: 1-3 months depending on committee
  • Grant Range: $2,000 - $300,000 (annual cap per organization)
  • Geographic Focus: Delaware County, NY (exclusively)

Contact Details

Website: https://theoconnorfoundation.org
Phone: (607) 538-9248
Email: office@theoconnorfoundation.org
Address: 109 Sherwood Road, Delhi, NY 13753
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Closed Fridays in July and August)

Overview

Founded in 1965 by Olive B. O'Connor, the A. Lindsay & Olive B. O'Connor Foundation is a private foundation with approximately $68 million in assets dedicated exclusively to improving the quality of life in rural Delaware County, New York. The foundation distributes approximately $3.4 million annually through multiple grant committees, with a strong emphasis on education, youth development, and community revitalization. The foundation has awarded over 180 grants in recent years and maintains a structured approach to grant-making through five specialized committees, each with distinct funding priorities and application schedules.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Youth Committee: Up to $2,000

  • For youth projects exclusively benefiting Delaware County
  • Application deadline: February 1 at 3pm
  • Decision notification: March 31

Under $5,000 Grants Committee: Up to $5,000

  • Requires 1:1 matching funds
  • Rolling monthly deadlines: First of each month at 3pm
  • Decision notification: End of same month

Full Board Committee: Over $5,000 (preferably under $100,000)

  • For larger community impact projects
  • Application deadline: April 1 at 3pm
  • Decision notification: June 30

Dollars for Scholars Committee: Variable amounts

  • For Delaware County Dollars for Scholars chapters
  • Application deadline: February 1 at 3pm
  • Decision notification: March 31

Scholarship Committee: Approximately $900,000 annually

  • For colleges/universities providing scholarships to Delaware County students
  • Application deadline: January 1 at 3pm
  • Decision notification: April 30

Priority Areas

  • Education and scholarships for Delaware County students
  • Youth development programs
  • Healthcare services
  • Substance abuse prevention
  • Violence prevention initiatives
  • Early childhood programs
  • Environmental conservation
  • Community revitalization
  • Arts and cultural preservation
  • Support for religious organizations

What They Don't Fund

  • Repayment of debt or old bills
  • Projects that have already started
  • Completed projects
  • Projects benefiting areas outside Delaware County
  • Individual grants or loans (except through institutional scholarships)

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors:

  • Robert L. Bishop, II - Chairman
  • Charlotte Bishop Hill - Vice-Chairman
  • Lindsay Bishop - Treasurer
  • Lawrence Anderson - Executive Secretary
  • Donald F. Bishop, II
  • Pamela Hill
  • Suzanne Hill
  • Molly Scannell
  • Amy Warner
  • Eugene Peckham - Emeritus

Staff:

  • Amy Warner - Executive Director
  • Heather Rosa - Executive Assistant

The foundation is managed by a family-led board with strong ties to Delaware County and maintains professional staff to oversee operations and grant administration.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are accepted through an online portal or via email. All organizations must submit:

  • Completed proposal form (available on website)
  • Proof of Federal tax exemption
  • Organization current budget
  • Organization balance sheet (prior 2 fiscal years)
  • Organization income statement (prior 2 fiscal years)
  • Project budget

Submission Methods:

Decision Timeline

  • Monthly decisions: Under $5,000 Committee (end of each month)
  • Annual decisions:
    • Youth & Dollars for Scholars: 2 months (February to March)
    • Full Board: 3 months (April to June)
    • Scholarships: 4 months (January to April)

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed. The foundation awards 180+ grants annually totaling approximately $3.4 million.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations cannot reapply for the same project for 3 years after receiving funding. Total annual funding cap of $300,000 per organization across all committees.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's guidelines and priorities:

  • Geographic alignment is critical: Projects must exclusively benefit Delaware County - this is non-negotiable
  • Early submission is explicitly encouraged by the foundation
  • Match the right committee: Choose the appropriate committee based on project size and type
  • Demonstrate clear community impact: Focus on how the project improves quality of life in rural Delaware County
  • Youth and education projects receive priority: The foundation has a strong preference for programs supporting young people
  • For Under $5,000 grants: Must secure 1:1 matching funds before applying
  • Ensure complete documentation: Missing documents will delay or disqualify applications
  • Project timing matters: Projects must begin after the decision notification date
  • Format requirements: Use 8½ x 11 paper (one side only), don't staple or bind proposals

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Delaware County exclusivity is absolute - no exceptions for regional or multi-county projects
  • Multiple application opportunities throughout the year via the Under $5,000 Committee's monthly deadlines
  • Strong family foundation with consistent funding and clear priorities
  • $300,000 annual cap means organizations can apply to multiple committees but must track total requests
  • Youth and education initiatives align most closely with founder's vision and receive significant support
  • Professional application process with structured committees and predictable timelines
  • Consider starting with smaller grants to build relationship before pursuing Full Board funding

References

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