The Hyde and Watson Foundation Grant

The Hyde and Watson Foundation is a private grantmaking organization that provides support to nonprofit organizations through capital grants. Its funding focus is oriented toward one-time, tangible expenses, specifically hard costs associated with the construction or purchase of facilities, building renovations, capital equipment, and furnishings. Notably, it excludes funding for lease or rental agreements, subscription-based software, or recurring fees. The foundation emphasizes support for projects that deliver long-term physical improvements or asset acquisition, reflecting its core mission to strengthen nonprofit infrastructure. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) public charities that are not classified as private foundations under IRS Sections 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2). Applications through fiscal sponsors or agents are not accepted. The foundation limits its geographic focus to nonprofit organizations operating within New York City’s five boroughs and the counties of Essex, Morris, and Union in New Jersey. It does not support general operating expenses, endowments, sponsorships, or annual fundraising campaigns. A further stipulation is that the foundation does not award more than one grant per calendar year to the same organization. If an organization has received multiple years of consecutive funding, a skip year may be implemented at the foundation's discretion. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $20,000. While the foundation does not explicitly state the number of awards per cycle or total program funding, it encourages early submission due to limited funds available in each grant cycle. This suggests a finite budget and a first-come, first-reviewed process. Applications are accepted only during open application periods via an online portal, with cycles occurring twice annually—once in the spring and once in the fall. The spring cycle accepts applications from December 15 to February 1, and the fall cycle from June 15 to August 1. Should these deadlines fall on a weekend or holiday, they are extended to the next business day. Notifications for the spring cycle are sent after the foundation's April board meeting, with funds disbursed in late May. Notifications for the fall cycle occur post-October meeting, with funds distributed in late November. The application package must be submitted in PDF format and include a brief narrative (limited to three pages) describing the organization, the project's purpose, timeline, and impact. Additional requirements include a project budget with line items, the organization's current operating budget, lists of recent corporate and foundation supporters, board members with business affiliations, and the most recent audited financial report or IRS Form 990. A copy of the organization's 501(c)(3) and 509(a) determination letters is also required. While an annual report may be submitted, it is optional. Returning applicants must also submit grant reports for previous awards before being considered for new funding.

Submit proposals early due to finite funding each cycle.