Richmond County Savings Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,448,666 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly specified
• Grant Range: $1,000 - $250,000
• Geographic Focus: Staten Island, NY (primarily)
• Total Assets: $26 million

Contact Details

Address: 900 South Avenue, Executive Suite 17, Staten Island, NY 10314
Phone: (718) 568-3631
Website: https://rcsf.org/
Executive Director: Cesar J. Claro

Overview

The Richmond County Savings Foundation (RCSF) was established in 1998 by Richmond County Savings Bank to share the financial success of the bank with the community. Since its founding, the Foundation has contributed over $75 million to the community with current assets of approximately $26 million. RCSF operates under the philosophy of "social responsibility coupled with fiscal accountability." The Foundation focuses on supporting charitable organisations whose programmes advance educational opportunity, enrich cultural development, and strengthen health and human services for Staten Island residents in need. In 2023, RCSF awarded 136 grants totalling $2,142,250, with a median grant size of $5,000.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

General Grants: $1,000 - $25,000 - For general operational support, programmatic needs, and capital projects serving Staten Island. Applications submitted via the foundation's online portal.

Signature Projects: By invitation only from the Executive Director - For distinctive, transformational projects. Recent signature grants have reached $250,000.

RCSF Signature Food Pantry Programme: Up to $5,000 - Dedicated grants for food pantries serving Staten Island residents, awarded on a rotating basis.

Game Changer Grant: Separate application track designed to support organisations working on transformative community change. The inaugural award of $75,000 was made in 2023. Competitive process with multiple review rounds.

Spring Clean Up Programme: Grants over $50,000 total - Funding for local organisations to conduct neighbourhood cleanup efforts in designated Staten Island areas, including planting flowers and trees.

Priority Areas

• Education: Educational opportunity advancement, workforce training programmes, employment services
• Health & Human Services: Health and wellness programmes, food insecurity initiatives, services for vulnerable populations
• Arts & Culture: Cultural development and enrichment programmes
• Environment: Environmental initiatives, sustainability projects, community beautification
• Community Services: Programmes serving Staten Island residents in need, senior enrichment

What They Don't Fund

• Events (grants will not be issued for events)
• Organisations that are not current with RCSF final reports
• Organisations without 990 and financial statements from the last 18 months
• Anonymous and operational funds cannot be used as match
• Organisations receiving two consecutive year grants of more than $25,000 will be prohibited from applying for funding in the third year
• Organisations that have not secured at least 75% of total project funding from other sources prior to applying

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

• Gail Donovan, President
• Michael F. Manzulli
• Alfred B. Curtis, Jr.
• Caroline Harrison
• James L. Kelley
• Anthony Santo, Treasurer
• Thomas N. Kendris
• Mary Caracappa
• Godfrey H. Carstens, Jr., Director Emeritus

Staff

• Cesar J. Claro, Executive Director - Manages the foundation's endowment and oversees grant distribution. Previously served as President & CEO of Staten Island Economic Development.
• Kim Seggio, Senior Programme Officer and Secretary
• Jaclyn B. Gerard, Grants Administrator

Leadership Insights

Cesar Claro on the Foundation's priorities: "RCSF is proud to support [organisations working on transformative change]" and prioritises initiatives "helping to fight food insecurity for low-income New Yorkers, provide job training, increase employment opportunities, and offer educational/cultural programming."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the foundation's website at rcsf.org. There are two main application pathways: the standard Preliminary Application and the Game Changer Grant Application, both available through the online portal.

The standard process includes:

1. Preliminary Application: Submit proposal via the foundation's online portal

2. Documentation Requirements:

   • Detailed project summary
   • Organisation details and history
   • Programme purpose and objectives
   • List of funding sources, demonstrating that at least 75% of total project funding has been secured from other sources
   • Financial documentation (990 and financial statements within last 18 months)
   • IRS 501(c)(3) public charity status verification

3. Review Process: The Executive Director reviews applications and may request additional verification or documentation

4. Grantee Interview: Selected applicants are required to participate in an interview with foundation staff

5. Notification: After notification from foundation staff that your proposal has been selected for further consideration, applicants provide additional documentation

Granting Criteria

The foundation considers several factors when evaluating applications:

• Income level of those served
• Size of constituency
• Programme length and sustainability
• Potential grant impact
• Success of similar programmes elsewhere

Decision Timeline

General grants are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year. Larger grants including Signature Projects and the Game Changer Grant follow a more extended review process involving multiple staff reviews and potential board consideration. Specific timelines are not publicly disclosed.

Success Rates

In 2023, RCSF made 136 awards. The inaugural Game Changer Grant (then called the Innovation Grant) received 40 submissions and went through multiple review rounds. Specific overall success rates are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Organisations receiving two consecutive year grants of more than $25,000 will be prohibited from applying for funding in the third year. Information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly available.

Application Success Factors

Alignment with RCSF Priorities

• Staten Island Focus: Must serve Staten Island residents in need. Organisations should be Staten Island-based non-profits with clear ties to the community.

• Measurable Impact: The foundation evaluates grants based on potential impact, particularly considering the income level of beneficiaries and size of constituency served.

• Transformative Change: The Game Changer Grant and large signature grants go to projects demonstrating significant, lasting community change beyond typical programmatic work.

Recent Successful Projects

Understanding RCSF's funding patterns through recent major grants:

• Alice Austen House Inc. ($250,000, 2023): "The Alice Austen House, A More Resilient, Intentional Community Anchor: Outdoor Community Museum and Garden" - demonstrates support for cultural preservation and community accessibility

• Richmond University Medical Center Foundation ($250,000, 2023): Renovation to Mother/Baby/NICU Unit - shows commitment to healthcare infrastructure

• Staten Island University Hospital ($250,000, 2023): Princes Bay Campus Transformation - capital improvements for healthcare facilities

• Queens County Farm Museum ($75,000 inaugural Game Changer Grant, 2023): Agricultural expansion to fight food insecurity, provide job training, and increase employment opportunities - exemplifies transformative community change

Application Best Practices

• Complete Financial Documentation: Ensure 990 and financial statements are current (within 18 months) and readily available
• Secure Co-Funding Before Applying: The foundation requires at least 75% of total project funding to be secured from other sources before submitting an application
• Demonstrate Need: Clearly articulate the income level and characteristics of the population served
• Show Track Record: Success of similar programmes is a consideration factor - include evidence of organisational capacity
• Articulate Clear Outcomes: The foundation values measurable impact and specific programme objectives
• Be Interview-Ready: Selected applicants participate in grantee interviews, so prepare to discuss your project in depth
• Meet Reporting Requirements: If you've received prior RCSF funding, ensure all final reports are current

Foundation Values

RCSF's stated philosophy of "social responsibility coupled with fiscal accountability" suggests they value:

• Organisations that demonstrate responsible stewardship of resources
• Projects with clear community benefit and measurable outcomes
• Fiscally sound organisations with transparent financial management

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic Restriction is Firm: Organisation must serve Staten Island residents in need and preferably be Staten Island-based with 501(c)(3) status
• Start Small, Build Relationship: General grants up to $25,000 are reviewed year-round and may be a good entry point before pursuing larger signature grants
• Secure Co-Funding Before Applying: The foundation requires applicants to have secured at least 75% of total project funding from other sources prior to submitting
• Signature Projects are Invitation-Only: Don't apply for Signature Projects unless specifically invited by the Executive Director; focus on the public application categories
• Transformative Change Matters: The Game Changer Grant and large signature grants go to projects demonstrating significant, lasting community impact
• Financial Documentation is Non-Negotiable: Missing or outdated 990s and financial statements will disqualify your application
• Be Prepared for Multiple Stages: Selection involves preliminary review, potential requests for additional documentation, and grantee interviews
• Demonstrate Fiscal Responsibility: The foundation's stated values emphasise both social impact and fiscal accountability - show both in your application

References

• Richmond County Savings Foundation Official Website: https://rcsf.org/ (Accessed May 2026)
• RCSF Programme Guidelines: https://rcsf.org/program-guidelines/ (Accessed May 2026)
• RCSF About Page: https://rcsf.org/about-rcsf/ (Accessed May 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Richmond County Savings Foundation Form 990: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/61503051 (Accessed May 2026)
• Instrumentl 990 Report: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/richmond-county-savings-foundation (Accessed January 2026)
• Queens County Farm Museum - Game Changer Grant (formerly Innovation Grant) Announcement: https://www.queensfarm.org/blog/agri/2023/12/innovation-grant-awarded-from-richmond-county-savings-foundation/ (December 2023)
• GrantForward Sponsor Profile: https://www.grantforward.com/sponsor/detail/richmond-county-savings-foundation-5837 (Accessed January 2026)
• Cause IQ Organisation Profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/richmond-county-savings-foundation,061503051/ (Accessed January 2026)