These guidelines provide an overview of the Klee Foundation’s grantmaking process and priorities. Potential applicants are encouraged to review our guidelines. If they believe their work fits within Foundation interests, they should contact the office by phone or email to begin a conversation.
MISSION
The Conrad and Virginia Klee Foundation supports organizations in Broome County, New York that contribute to the health, education, and economic vitality of our community.
AREAS OF INTEREST
Health & Well-Being
To support a high quality of life for all Broome County residents, the Foundation seeks proposals that span the health continuum. We are particularly interested in work that increases access to mental and physical health care, as well as preventative efforts that reduce incidents and effects of illness over time.
Education
The Foundation seeks proposals that aim to improve learning experiences and outcomes for people of all ages, so that they develop the confidence and skills needed to pursue a lifetime of opportunities. Additionally, the Foundation is interested in efforts that provide opportunities for diverse audiences to experience and engage with arts and culture.
Economic Vitality
To help build a more vibrant and inclusive economy, the Foundation seeks proposals that increase equitable workforce participation by addressing barriers to employment, preparing people to enter and advance within high-demand fields, and supporting innovative economic growth strategies.
*NEW* Community Engagement & Civic Participation
A connected community is a resilient community. The Foundation is especially interested in proposals that support and increase volunteerism, encourage social connectedness, and foster vibrant environments for people to live, work, and grow together.
The Klee Foundation is especially interested in efforts that involve collaboration among stakeholders and leverage our funds to bring additional resources to our community.
The Foundation is currently offering the following types of support through our grant programs::
- Capacity Building – Proposals that address the effectiveness and future sustainability of the nonprofit.
- Capital – Proposals for property purchase, equipment purchase, and/or facilities improvement.
- General Operating – Proposals for flexible, short-term assistance that will improve long-term sustainability of established programs.
- Program/Project – Proposals for initiatives that address a specific, demonstrated community need.
The Foundation will also consider challenge and matching grants that align with our mission if such an investment would help an organization leverage additional funding.
As a place-based funder striving to improve the quality of life and increase prosperity in Broome County, we are looking for:
- Proposals that align with a timely community need.
- Proposals that build on (and do not unnecessarily duplicate) existing community efforts,
assets, and aspirations. - Proposals that build organizational capacity to serve the community effectively and
efficiently.
FUNDING RESTRICTIONS
Grants are limited to qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations located in Broome County, New York and/or those providing significant services within Broome County.
We do not make grants to or for the following:
- To individuals.
- For religious entities (churches or agencies) or programs that have a religious component.
- To support special events, such as concerts, festivals, conference sponsorships, workshops, etc., unless there is a plan for follow-up activities with sustained impact.
Submitting A Grant Proposal
INQUIRIES
Inquiries to determine eligibility and fit are the first step for those seeking a Klee grant. Please call the foundation office, (607) 722-2266, or submit a brief inquiry by email.
If the applicant meets our criteria and the funding opportunity falls within our guidelines, they will be invited to complete a brief LOI summarizing their proposal. If the proposal aligns with current Klee priorities, applicants will then be asked to submit a full application.
Due to the high volume of inquiries we receive, we strongly advise all prospective applicants to begin a conversation with the Foundation at least four weeks before they hope to apply.
Letters of Intent are being accepted on an ongoing basis.
SCHEDULE
The Klee Foundation has recently moved to an ongoing grant cycle. Grants will be accepted throughout the year.
If you are approved to submit a full application, your grant proposal will be reviewed at the next scheduled meeting of the Klee Foundation. Meetings are held in January, March, May, August, October, November, and December.
APPLYING FOR A GRANT
To streamline the application process, we have implemented an Online Grants Management system. Among the many benefits users appreciate is the ability to control organizational contact information; the opportunity to draft, save and submit applications online; and organizational dashboards to keep grant contracts, reports, and payment requests all in one convenient place.
Before you begin the application process, you must create an account for your organization. To create an account, visit our log in page.
Your organization will only be required to register once and thereafter will be able to access the system by logging in with the password you have created.
If you do not have internet access, or you would like assistance with the online process, please contact Michele Scheddin, Administrative Assistant at 607-722-2266.
For a list of current funding opportunities, please visit our How to Apply page.