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Richmond County Savings Foundation

Annual Giving
$2.1M
Grant Range
$1K - $0.3M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $2,142,250 (2023)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not publicly specified
  • Grant Range: $500 - $250,000
  • Geographic Focus: Staten Island, NY (primarily)
  • Total Assets: $56 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 $70 million to the community with current assets of $56 million. RCSF operates under the philosophy of "social responsibility coupled with fiscal accountability." The Foundation focuses on supporting charitable organizations whose programs advance educational opportunity, enrich cultural development, and strengthen health and human services for Staten Island residents in need. In 2023, RCSF awarded 136 grants totaling $2,142,250, with a median grant size of $5,000.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

General Support Grants: Up to $10,000 - Reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year for general operational support and programmatic needs.

Programmatic Funding: Up to $25,000 - For initiatives in human services, public benefit, health, education, environment, arts & culture. Application submitted via foundation website.

Capital Initiatives: Up to $50,000 - For construction and renovation projects meeting specific conditions. Application submitted via foundation website.

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

RCSF Food Pantry Program: Up to $5,000 - Dedicated grants for food pantries serving Staten Island residents.

Innovation Grant: $75,000 (inaugural grant awarded 2023) - Designed to support organizations working on transformative change. Competitive process with multiple review rounds.

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

Priority Areas

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

What They Don't Fund

  • Events (grants will not be issued for events)
  • Organizations that are not current with RCSF final reports
  • Organizations without 990 and financial statements from the last 18 months
  • Anonymous and operational funds cannot be used as match
  • Organizations receiving two consecutive year grants of more than $25,000 will be prohibited from applying for funding in the third year

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 Program Officer and Secretary
  • Jaclyn B. Gerard, Program Officer

Leadership Insights

Cesar Claro on the Foundation's priorities: "RCSF is proud to support [organizations working on transformative change]" and prioritizes 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. The process includes:

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

  2. Documentation Requirements:

    • Detailed project summary
    • Organization details and history
    • Program purpose and objectives
    • List of funding 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
  • Program length and sustainability
  • Potential grant impact
  • Success of similar programs elsewhere

Decision Timeline

General support grants (up to $10,000) are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year. Larger grants for Programmatic Funding, Capital Initiatives, and Signature Projects 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 Innovation Grant received 40 submissions and went through multiple review rounds. Specific overall success rates are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations 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. Organizations should be Staten Island-based nonprofits 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 Innovation Grant example demonstrates RCSF's interest in supporting organizations that create 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 Innovation 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
  • Demonstrate Need: Clearly articulate the income level and characteristics of the population served
  • Show Track Record: Success of similar programs is a consideration factor - include evidence of organizational capacity
  • Articulate Clear Outcomes: The foundation values measurable impact and specific program 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:

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

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic Restriction is Firm: Organization must serve Staten Island residents in need and preferably be Staten Island-based with 501(c)(3) status
  • Start Small, Build Relationship: General support grants up to $10,000 are reviewed year-round and may be a good entry point before pursuing larger programmatic or capital grants
  • 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 Innovation 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 emphasize both social impact and fiscal accountability - show both in your application

References

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