Robin Hood Foundation

The Robin Hood Foundation was created in 1988 to find, fund, and provide technical and management assistance to organizations serving poor New Yorkers. We make grants to poverty-fighting organizations that are direct service providers operating in the five boroughs of New York City. We’re committed to community-based programs in the city’s poorest neighborhoods and we seek organizations that provide comprehensive services and yield measurable results.

 

ELIGIBILITY

Potential grantees are screened to determine their effectiveness at serving poor New Yorkers. Robin Hood staff conducts site visits and interviews, analyzes outcomes and financial data, and checks references to ensure that we’re making a sound investment.

Robin Hood seeks to fund 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits in New York City with the following characteristics:

• A proven track record
• A bold idea that is feasible
• Clear sense of mission and the steps needed to accomplish that mission
• Strong, committed leadership
• Existing evaluation procedures or willingness to evaluate programs and measure outcomes
• Commitment to, and knowledge of, the population served
• High-quality, dedicated staff
• Financial stability
• Respect or standing in its community and relationships with other organizations in the community

 

WHAT SUPPORT DO WE PROVIDE?

First-time grant requests generally fall between $100,000-$200,000. We will consider requests for a variety of purposes, including specific programs, salaries, or start-up costs. Capital, renovation and general operating funds are given only to those groups already receiving Robin Hood support.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

We accept applications throughout the year, and grant decisions are made by our Board of Directors on a quarterly basis. Due to the high volume of applications, Robin Hood cannot guarantee that all applications will be considered at the first board meeting after an application is received. If your organization submitted an application but was denied Robin Hood funding in the past, please wait one year before reapplying.

 

1. REVIEW THE GUIDELINES ON THIS PAGE.

Also have a look at our Frequently Asked Questions.

2. COMPLETE THE APPLICATION

Please complete the entire application. If you wish, you may attach additional material as specified in the New York Common Application Form to your completed application, but please do not send any videos. If the application itself raises questions or poses difficulties, please feel free to email us at [email protected] or call us at 212-227-6601 for clarification.

 

3. SUBMIT THE APPLICATION

Send the completed application to

Robin Hood
Re: Grant Application
826 Broadway, 9th floor
New York, New York 10003

Once the application has been submitted, you will receive a notice acknowledging its receipt; we ask that you not call us to ask about its status. In turn, we will let you know Robin Hood’s decision as soon as possible, although decisions may take up to one year.