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George H And Estelle M Sands Foundation

Annual Giving
$4.0M
Grant Range
$10K - $0.6M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $4,000,000
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not publicly available
  • Grant Range: $10,000 - $600,000
  • Geographic Focus: Princeton and Trenton, New Jersey (primary), with some national grants

Contact Details

  • Phone: 609-921-6060
  • Address: 902 Carnegie Center, Suite 400, Princeton, NJ 08540-6530
  • Website: No public website
  • Email: Not publicly available

Overview

The George H And Estelle M Sands Foundation was established in 1996 by George and Estelle Sands and received its 501(c)(3) status in 1997. With assets exceeding $70 million, the foundation distributes approximately $4 million annually in grants to nonprofit organizations. The foundation transitioned to second-generation leadership in 2009, with the founders' children—Jeffrey H. Sands, Elizabeth Sands, and Deborah Sands Gartenberg—now serving as trustees. While historically focused on Princeton institutions, the foundation has significantly expanded its support for Trenton-based youth and children's programs under the current leadership. The foundation operates as a private family foundation, making grants at trustee discretion without a formal public application process.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate formal grant programs but makes discretionary grants in the following ranges:

  • Major Strategic Grants: $200,000 - $600,000 (multi-year commitments for transformational projects)
  • Program Support Grants: $50,000 - $200,000 (ongoing program support)
  • General Operating Grants: $10,000 - $50,000 (annual support for trusted partners)

Priority Areas

  • Children and Youth Services: Particularly focused on Trenton youth development programs
  • Education: Schools and educational enrichment programs in Princeton and Trenton
  • Health Services: Including dental care access and medical services for underserved populations
  • Arts and Culture: Supporting regional arts organizations, especially Arts Council of Princeton
  • Human Services: Community development and social services organizations
  • Libraries: Princeton Public Library and literacy programs
  • Environmental Conservation: Land preservation and environmental education

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, based on grant history, the foundation does not appear to fund:

  • International organizations
  • Political campaigns or lobbying
  • Religious organizations for sectarian purposes
  • Individual requests

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is governed by three family trustees, all serving without compensation:

  • Jeffrey H. Sands: Trustee and son of founders
  • Elizabeth Sands: Trustee and daughter of founders
  • Deborah Sands Gartenberg: Trustee and daughter of founders, particularly focused on Trenton children's initiatives, working with approximately 25 organizations

The second generation assumed leadership in 2009, bringing an expanded focus on addressing needs in Trenton while maintaining traditional support for Princeton institutions.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants are made at the discretion of the three family trustees who identify and cultivate relationships with organizations aligned with their funding priorities. Organizations may contact the foundation by phone at 609-921-6060 to inquire about potential support.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on the foundation's grant patterns, organizations have successfully connected with the foundation through:

  • Deborah Sands Gartenberg's active involvement with approximately 25 Trenton-focused youth organizations suggests she is accessible through the Trenton nonprofit community network
  • The foundation has demonstrated responsiveness to challenge grant opportunities and collaborative funding models, as evidenced by their $600,000 challenge grant to KinderSmile Foundation that was part of a broader community funding initiative
  • Trustees have shown openness to multi-year commitments for organizations demonstrating significant community impact, particularly in children's services

Decision Timeline

Not publicly available. As a private family foundation with trustee-discretion grantmaking, timing likely varies based on trustee meetings and project scope.

Success Rates

Not publicly available. The foundation made grants to 79 organizations in 2023, suggesting selective but substantial support for aligned organizations.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly documented. However, grant records show numerous organizations receive multi-year support, indicating openness to sustained partnerships.

Application Success Factors

Based on analysis of recent grant recipients and patterns:

  • Strong Trenton connection: Organizations serving Trenton children and youth receive particular attention, especially from trustee Deborah Sands Gartenberg
  • Demonstrated community impact: The foundation supports organizations with proven track records, as seen in their multi-year commitments to NJTL of Trenton and Mill Hill Child and Family Development
  • Collaborative approach: The foundation participates in challenge grants and collaborative funding efforts, such as the KinderSmile dental care initiative and the Lanwin conservation project
  • Local leadership: Organizations with strong local roots in Princeton or Trenton appear more successful than national organizations seeking local support
  • Youth development focus: Programs combining education, health, and enrichment for children show strong alignment with current priorities

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • This is a trustee-discretion foundation without a formal application process—relationship building is essential
  • Focus on Trenton children and youth programs aligns with current trustee priorities, particularly Deborah Sands Gartenberg's portfolio
  • The foundation values long-term partnerships, with many organizations receiving support over multiple years
  • Challenge grants and collaborative funding models have been successful approaches for larger initiatives
  • Local Princeton and Trenton organizations have significant advantage over national organizations
  • Direct phone contact (609-921-6060) is available for initial inquiries
  • Average grants of $51,950 with a median of $22,000 suggest the foundation makes both substantial program grants and smaller general operating grants

References

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