The Harry Chapin Foundation provides grants to grassroots 501(c)(3) organizations across the United States that aim to address community needs and enhance quality of life. Grant awards range from a few hundred dollars up to a maximum of $10,000 and are intended to support one-year projects. While grant renewals are possible, they are not automatic and require a new proposal and a report on the previous year’s activities. Organizations cannot receive grants for more than three consecutive years.

The Foundation prefers to support grassroots organizations with an annual budget of $750,000 or less. Organizations must possess their own IRS 501(c)(3) designation, as the Foundation does not fund entities operating under a fiscal agent. The application must include a mailing address, a contact phone number, and an email address, or it will not be processed.

Applicants must submit a concise written proposal, which may optionally use the New York/New Jersey Common Application Form. Regardless of format, the application must include a history of the organization, a statement of the problem being addressed, objectives and methods for the project, an evaluation plan, future funding prospects, proof of tax-exempt status, and budgets for both the specific project and the organization. If the organization’s revenues exceed $250,000, a certified audit of the financial statements must also be included.

Grant recipients must submit a short report detailing the use of funds within six months of receiving the award. The Foundation Board meets three times a year as needed to review applications. Timely submission improves the chances of review at the next meeting. Applications can be submitted online through the Foundation's website or by mail.

For further inquiries, applicants can contact the Foundation at 16 Gerard Street, Huntington, New York 11743, phone (631) 986-9472.