Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation

Structural Stabilization & Restoration / Adaptive Reuse Grants (category within General Grants)

Who can apply: All funds needed must be raised at time of application (no pledged/future funds). Applicants must apply to RDLGF partners (Preservation League of New York and NY Landmarks Conservancy for houses of worship) prior to applying to RDLGF for assessment. All permits and written bids must be in place at submission. Stewardship agreements required if building owned by others.

Deadline: Follow RDLGF Spring/Fall Grant Cycle deadlines (e.g., March 6, 2026 and August 7, 2026).

Support for Preserve New York (Preservation League / NYSCA)

Who can apply: Applicants must be a unit of local government or not-for-profit with tax-exempt status. State agencies and religious institutions are ineligible under Preserve New York. RDLG provides additional support specifically for Nassau and Suffolk projects.

New York Landmarks Conservancy Sacred Sites Fund (RDLGF-supported)

Who can apply: Property must be located on Long Island, owned by a religious institution actively used for worship, and listed on the State or National Register of Historic Places or designated by a certified local landmarks ordinance. Grants not available for work already in contract or completed.

NYSCA / Preservation League – Preserve New York (RDLGF provides supplemental support in Nassau & Suffolk)

Who can apply: Applicants must be a unit of local government or a not-for-profit with tax-exempt status; state agencies and religious institutions are not eligible under Preserve New York (note: RDLGF provides additional support for projects in Nassau & Suffolk).

250th Commemoration Grant (2026)

Who can apply: Applicant must be a 501(c)(3) historical society or history museum in Nassau or Suffolk County. Limited to one award per site; organizations applying for multiple awards will not be reviewed. Copy of 2026 institutional budget required in application materials.

Deadline: Applications open 2026-01-01 and will remain open until funding is depleted (early submissions suggested).

General Grant Categories (RDLGF Institutional Grants)

Who can apply: Nonprofit organizations and municipalities (varies by category). Applicants must demonstrate required cash/in-kind match based on institutional budget tier. Applicants must contact the Foundation office and have prior discussion/site visit; review twice per year.

Deadline: Spring and Fall grant cycles (see Foundation Funding Guidelines).