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:

• Preferred: Email to office@theoconnorfoundation.org
• Alternative: Mail to foundation address
• All applications must be received by 3pm on deadline date

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

• A. Lindsay & Olive B. O'Connor Foundation Official Website: https://theoconnorfoundation.org (Accessed December 2024)
• Foundation Guidelines: https://theoconnorfoundation.org/guidelines/ (Accessed December 2024)
• Application Schedules: https://theoconnorfoundation.org/schedules/ (Accessed December 2024)
• Application Process: https://theoconnorfoundation.org/application/ (Accessed December 2024)
• Foundation History: https://theoconnorfoundation.org/history/ (Accessed December 2024)
• Contact Information: https://theoconnorfoundation.org/contacts/ (Accessed December 2024)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - O'Connor Foundation: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/166063485 (Accessed December 2024)
• CauseIQ Foundation Profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/oconnor-foundation,166063485/ (Accessed December 2024)