Island Outreach Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,580,398 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not specified
• Grant Range: $15,000 - $1,000,000
• Geographic Focus: Suffolk County, NY

Contact Details

Website: https://islandoutreachfoundation.com/
Email: dknapp9204@aol.com
Phone: Not publicly listed
Mailing Address:
Island Outreach Foundation
PO Box 175
Blue Point, NY 11715

Application Form: https://islandoutreachfoundation.com/application/IOF_grant_application.pdf

Overview

Island Outreach Foundation Inc, established as a private philanthropic organization, is dedicated to assisting other organizations, groups, and entities in accomplishing their stated missions. With total assets of $19,043,016 as of 2024, the foundation maintains a consistent grant-making program averaging $1.5-2.3 million in annual charitable disbursements. The foundation focuses primarily on Suffolk County, NY, addressing critical community needs across education, healthcare, environmental issues, quality of life, and general community welfare. Led by President Dave Knapp and his family, the foundation has demonstrated both strategic major gifts (such as a $1 million gift to Stony Brook University for tick-borne disease research) and steady support to numerous local organizations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• General Grant Program: $15,000 - $1,000,000 (rolling basis via mail application)
• Major Strategic Grants: Up to $1,000,000 for transformative projects
• Standard Community Grants: Typically $15,000 - $50,000
• Emergency Response Grants: $15,000+ for crisis situations

Priority Areas

• Education: University research programs, educational institutions, student support services
• Healthcare: Medical research (particularly tick-borne diseases), hospital support, cancer research, rehabilitation services
• Environmental Issues: Environmental protection initiatives, tick-borne disease research with environmental implications
• Quality of Life: Housing (Habitat for Humanity), food security (Island Harvest), crisis services
• Community Needs: General community welfare programs, emergency response

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation appears to exclude:

• Organizations outside Suffolk County, NY (unless exceptional circumstances)
• Individual scholarship requests
• Non-501(c)(3) organizations

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors:

• Dave Knapp - President
• Michele Knapp - Vice President
• Danielle Knapp-SanGiovanni - Secretary
• Jan Taraskas - Treasurer
• Jesse SanGiovanni - Board Member
• Jerry Knapp - Board Member
• Margaret King - Board Member

Key Quote from Dave Knapp: "We're hoping that that's what is part of the effects of our effort, is that it sparks others to get involved."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

1. Download application form from https://islandoutreachfoundation.com/
2. Complete all required sections
3. Mail completed application to: Island Outreach Foundation, PO Box 175, Blue Point, NY 11715

Applications accepted on a rolling basis with no fixed deadlines.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly specified. With 42 awards made annually, decisions appear to be made on an ongoing basis.

Success Rates

Specific approval rates not publicly available. Foundation made 42 grants in 2024.

Reapplication Policy

No documented restrictions on reapplying.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's grant-making patterns:

• Geographic Alignment: Strong preference for Suffolk County organizations
• Mission Alignment: Clear connection to priority areas (education, healthcare, environment, quality of life)
• Community Impact Potential: Projects that can catalyze broader community engagement
• Established Track Record: Preference for organizations with proven capacity
• Well-Defined Projects: Specific initiatives with concrete outcomes
• Local Relevance: Address Long Island-specific challenges (e.g., tick-borne diseases)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Suffolk County focus is paramount - ensure your organization serves this geographic area
• Grant amounts vary dramatically from $15,000 to $1 million - tailor request to project scope
• Family-led foundation values personal engagement and genuine community impact
• Rolling applications provide flexibility to apply when your project is ready
• Emphasize how your project can inspire broader community involvement
• Established organizations with proven track records appear to have advantage
• Address challenges particularly relevant to Long Island communities

References

1. Island Outreach Foundation Official Website - https://islandoutreachfoundation.com/ (Accessed January 2026)
2. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Island Outreach Foundation Inc - https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/260734110 (Accessed January 2026)
3. Stony Brook University News - "Island Outreach Foundation Empowers Stony Brook Researchers in Fight Against Tick-Borne Diseases" (April 2018)
4. United Way of Long Island - "Island Outreach Foundation Gives $15,000 to United Way's Response Fund for COVID-19"
5. GuideStar Profile - Island Outreach Foundation Inc
6. Cause IQ - Island Outreach Foundation Profile
7. Instrumentl 990 Report - Island Outreach Foundation Inc
8. Charity Navigator Profile - Island Outreach Foundation Inc