Slomo And Cindy Silvian Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2,700,000 (2025)
• Success Rate: ~2% (50 grants from first 50 applicants allowed to apply)
• Decision Time: 2-3 months
• Grant Range: $22,500 average (based on 2025 figures)
• Geographic Focus: United States

Contact Details

• Website: silvianfoundation.org
• Phone: (631) 923-0261
• Address: 150 Broadhollow Rd 304, Melville, NY 11747

Overview

The Slomo And Cindy Silvian Foundation was established in 2006 by Cindy Silvian as a philanthropic legacy honoring distinguished citizens of Long Beach, New York known for their friendship, business leadership, civic-mindedness, and philanthropy. With total assets of approximately $39 million, the foundation has approved over $33 million in grants to more than 400 organizations since 2008. The foundation takes a distinctive rotational approach to grant-making, ensuring diverse organizations have opportunities for support while implementing mandatory break periods for repeat grantees to promote fairness in distribution.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Annual Grant Program: ~$2,700,000 distributed to approximately 120 organizations yearly
• Applications accepted on a limited first-come basis (first 50 organizations)
• Board-discretionary invitation process for full applications

Priority Areas

• Education
• Children's Welfare
• Medical Care
• Medical Research
• Jewish Philanthropic Endeavors

What They Don't Fund

• Foreign organizations (including through US intermediaries)
• Organizations not classified as 501(c)(3)
• Organizations not classified under IRS Sections 509(a)1 or 509(a)2
• Organizations that have reached their cumulative grant limits without taking required breaks

Governance and Leadership

• President & Chief Legal Officer: Daniel S Komansky
• Vice President, Treasurer & Director: Seth Grossman
• Second Vice President, Secretary & Director: Alisa Hart

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

1. Submit a Preliminary Inquiry during the open window
2. Must be among the first 50 organizations to submit
3. 2026 submission window: January 20 - March 12, 2026
4. Board reviews inquiries and extends invitations to apply at their discretion
5. Only invited organizations may submit full applications

Decision Timeline

• Preliminary inquiry window: ~7 weeks
• Board review and invitation process: Estimated 2-3 months total from inquiry to decision
• Grant disbursements made annually

Success Rates

• Extremely competitive: Only first 50 organizations can submit preliminary inquiries
• From those 50, board selects organizations to invite for full applications
• Approximately 120 organizations funded annually from total applicant pool

Reapplication Policy

Mandatory Break Periods:

• After 5 consecutive grants: 1-year mandatory break
• After 8 cumulative grants: 3-year mandatory break
• After 11 cumulative grants: 5-year mandatory break

Application Success Factors

• Timing is Critical: Must be among first 50 to submit during narrow window - preparation and quick submission essential
• Clear Alignment: Demonstrate direct alignment with one or more of the five priority areas
• Track Record: Organizations with established 501(c)(3) status and proven impact likely favored
• Geographic Relevance: US-based operations required; connection to Long Beach, NY area may be advantageous given founders' roots
• Strategic Rotation: Understanding the foundation's fairness principle - they actively rotate support among diverse organizations

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Act quickly when submission window opens - only first 50 organizations can apply
• Mark calendar for January 20, 2026 opening and prepare all materials in advance
• Emphasize alignment with specific priority areas rather than general charitable purposes
• Foundation values fairness and diversity in grantee portfolio - highlight unique aspects of your organization
• Respect the mandatory break periods - track your organization's grant history with the foundation
• Focus on US-based programs only; no pass-through grants to foreign entities
• Consider the foundation's Long Beach, NY heritage when framing local impact stories

References

• Slomo And Cindy Silvian Foundation Official Website (silvianfoundation.org) - Accessed December 31, 2024
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Slomo And Cindy Silvian Foundation Inc Profile - Accessed December 31, 2024
• CauseIQ Foundation Profile - Slomo And Cindy Silvian Foundation Inc - Accessed December 31, 2024
• IRS Form 990-PF filings (2023-2024) via ProPublica