How to Apply

OUR GOALS
The Foundation seeks to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families by providing funding for programs creating a greater awareness in the areas of research, prevention, treatment and quality of life.

The Foundation recognizes the importance of education, its impact on individuals, families and the community and supports institutions that are at the forefront of improving educational programs.

The Foundation seeks to bring a better understanding of mental health issues through funding programs that recognize the well-being
of the individual and their family to improve their quality of life and ability to cope with mental and health issues.

GRANT AREAS SERVED
Grants will be given to qualified public charities serving Western New York and South Florida. Other geographic areas will be considered at the discretion of the foundation’s Board of Directors.

GRANT AMOUNT
Grants typically range from $25,000 - $1,000,000 and are funded over a five year period. Larger grants are at the discretion of the Patrick P. Lee Foundation Board of Directors based on the merits of the project.

GRANT CYCLE
Grant awards will be made at our quarterly Board Meetings: March, June, September and December. Deadlines for Grant Applications will be the 1st of the preceding month of each Board Meeting. Grants will be awarded only to tax-exempt public charities with a 501 (c) (3) IRC certification. Applicants will be notified of the decision of the Board within two weeks of the board meeting at which the application is considered.

CRITERIA
Grant proposals are evaluated according to the following criteria:

Proposal component is clearly defined with stated need(s) and outcome(s);
The project or program has broad and/or strong community impact;
The soundness of organization and its financial management;
The grant funds will be utilized efficiently and effectively;
The priority of the proposed activity with the foundation’s goal;
The availability of the Foundation’s funds.

GRANT RESTRICTIONS

Grants will be made only to tax-exempt public charities as defined in section 501(c)(3) of the
Internal Revenue Code (IRC) and are “not a private foundation” under Section 509(a) of the IRC.
Grants are not awarded for political activities, deficit financing, individuals, capacity building funds,
scholarships, seed funds or program-related investments (PRIs).
The foundation often grants support for several years.
Funding commitments, however, are generally made on a year to year basis.
The foundation welcomes collaboration with other grant makers and favors grant seekers with multiple sources of support.
A Grant Report for any previous grant must be on file before the next grant will be awarded.

GRANT APPLICATION PROCEDURES
The application process is begun by initiating a "Letter of Intent" (LOI) electronic form which defines the scope and general guidelines of the proposed project.

When the Letter of Intent is received, you will receive an electronic acknowledgment of receipt. The Patrick P. Lee Foundation Grant Committee will review and respond to all Letters of Intent within 30 days of receipt.

If your project falls within our guidelines and areas of interest, we will invite you to submit an online grant application. This application requires more detailed information; supporting documentation and other materials for the final grant review. When a grant application is received, you will receive an electronic acknowledgment of receipt.

The application will be carefully reviewed by the Grant Committee. During the review process, you may be contacted by phone and an interview and/or site visit may be requested. Additional information may also be requested.

Final decisions on grant awards are made by the foundation’s Board of Directors in March, June, September and December. All grant applications received by the 1st of the preceding month will be presented at the Board Meeting. Applicants will be notified of the decision within two weeks of the board meeting at which the application is presented.

If a grant is awarded, you will be asked to sign a Grant Agreement that lays out the payment schedule, reporting and other requirements. The foundation requires a final written Grant Evaluation report when your project is complete.
The Patrick P. Lee Foundation appreciates the opportunity to consider all proposals. The foundation receives a large number of requests, and we regretfully have to decline many commendable proposals. A declination in no way indicates a negative assessment of your organization or proposal and we truly hope that your endeavors are successful. It merely speaks to the overwhelming needs of our community and our desire to respond to them in a balanced and equitable manner.