The Diamond Matching Grant Program is a special funding initiative established by The Staten Island Foundation in honor of Alice B. Diamond, a founding board member renowned for her decades-long support of the Staten Island nonprofit community. This program reflects Alice’s legacy of advocacy, governance, and community-building, offering nonprofits a new opportunity to strengthen their financial capacity. By offering a $2-to-$1 match for newly raised funds, the Foundation aims to encourage innovative fundraising strategies and deepen community engagement.
This program is open to Staten Island-based nonprofit organizations that have previously received a grant of $5,000 or more from the Foundation within the past five years and have met all related grant requirements. In addition to holding a valid 501(c)(3) designation, eligible organizations must have an active Board of Directors that will contribute financially during the current fiscal year. Organizations may also apply even if they currently have an active grant from the Foundation.
Applicants are expected to propose strategic plans to raise new funds from non-governmental sources. Eligible contributions for matching include funds from corporate matching gifts, new foundation or corporate grants, new or expanded membership drives, donation campaigns exceeding traditional dues or giving, and online fundraising strategies. In-kind donations are not eligible for matching. Applications must include detailed fundraising plans, timelines, source of new funds, involved parties, and estimated expenses. Matching requests can be submitted in lump sums or monthly, with proper documentation such as checks, funder letters, or ACH receipts.
The application process begins in April 2025, with a submission deadline of July 18, 2025. Selected grantees will be announced by September 30, 2025. Matching funds can be claimed for fundraising conducted between September 2025 and June 30, 2026. Each grantee must submit a final report documenting matched funds and outcomes. The funds can be used for general operations or specific programs.
To support prospective applicants, the Foundation will host a Diamond Forum on Friday, April 25th, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Wagner College. While only eligible organizations can apply for the grant, others may attend the forum as space permits. For questions about the grant, contact Shakeia McPherson, Special Projects Manager, at mcpherson@thestatenislandfoundation.org. General inquiries can be directed to the Foundation at (718) 697-2831 or info@thestatenislandfoundation.org.
