Question 1

What are the Trust’s interest areas?

Accepted Answer

The Trust invests in organizations that provide services to families (children, youth, adults) and or/beautify public green space.

Question 2

Where does the Trust make grants?

Accepted Answer

Niagara and Erie Counties, with a special interest in organizations serving people in the Black Rock/Riverside area.

Question 3

What is the average grant size?

Accepted Answer

While there are no minimum or maximum size requirements, most Trust grants fall between $10,000 - $25,000.

Question 4

How much does the Trust award in grants on an annual basis?

Accepted Answer

Approximately $280,000.

Question 5

How often may my organization apply for funding?

Accepted Answer

The Trust limits its funding to organizations to every other year. For example, organizations that received a grant in 2025 will not be considered for funding again until 2027.

Question 6

Does the Trust make multi-year years?

Accepted Answer

The Trust will consider multi-year grant requests.

Question 7

Does the Trust make general operating grants?

Accepted Answer

The Trust will consider grant requests for general operating funds.

Question 8

Does the Trust fund capital campaign or equipment requests?

Accepted Answer

The Trust will consider grant requests for capital campaign and equipment expense.

Question 9

Will the Trust fund matching grant requests?

Accepted Answer

The Trust will consider requests for matching grant funds.

Question 10

Does the Trust fund organizations, programs and/or projects using a pass-through entity or organization?"

Accepted Answer

No.

Question 11

What is the due date for letters of inquiry?

Accepted Answer

The Trust accepts letters of inquiry through May 31. Applicants will be notified by June 30 if a full application is desired.

Question 12

May I submit more than one letter of inquiry?

Accepted Answer

No, only one letter of inquiry per organization per funding cycle is accepted.

Question 13

May I submit a letter of inquiry if my organization currently has an active grant?

Accepted Answer

No, an organization may only have one active grant at any given time.

Question 14

What is the due date for grant applications?

Accepted Answer

The due date for grant applications is August 31.

Question 15

Are grant reports required?

Accepted Answer

Yes, grant reports are required. A report template will be provided.

Question 16

May I invite Trustees for a site visit prior to submitting a grant request?

Accepted Answer

No, due to the volume of grant requests received, Trustees are not available for site visits to organizations that are considering submitting a request.

Question 17

May I present my idea to Trustees prior to submitting a grant request?

Accepted Answer

No, only projects submitted through the letter of inquiry process are considered for funding.

Question 18

Who do I contact if I have a question?

Accepted Answer

Please submit your question to info@ellistrustwny.org (mailto:info@ellistrustwny.org)You will receive a reply within five working days.

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