Raymond J. and Mary C. Reisert Foundation Grant

The Raymond J. and Mary C. Reisert Foundation Grant aims to enhance community well-being by supporting local 501(c)(3) organizations in education, healthcare, and housing initiatives. Grants typically range from $500 to $15,000, with an emphasis on projects in Eastern North Carolina, Long Island, NY, and Central Maine. The foundation has awarded over 300 grants since its inception, reflecting its commitment to impactful community partnerships and ongoing evaluation of funded projects.

NOTE: During January and February, we invite you to submit a Letter of Inquiry.
What We Do: Our Mission
Our goal is to improve the lives of our neighbors by partnering with local 501(c)(3) organizations to fund grants for three purposes: education, healthcare, and housing. As a private foundation we enjoy the flexibility of working with all kinds of organizations, especially local nonprofits in the early stages of development. Grants are awarded for a one year period and require a follow-up process to measure results. Multi-year grants are considered on a case-by-case basis and are subject to ongoing evaluation.
Where We Work: Our Neighbors
We have board members located in each of the four geographic areas we serve. Not only does this make our grant process more efficient, we love seeing first hand the impact that each grant recipient has on our own communities. We fund projects in the Raleigh metro and north-eastern areas of North Carolina; Nassau and Suffolk counties on Long Island, New York; and, the communities surrounding central Maine.
What We’ve Done: Our Legacy
Since our founding, we have had the privilege to fund over 300 grants totaling over 3 million dollars. We typically award 15 grants per year, ranging from $500 – $15,000 each. We have partnered with over 100 nonprofits to fund projects such as school-readiness classes for children from non-English speaking families; a free dental clinic for rural communities with little access to dental care; and, remodeling a shelter that provides services to help transition homeless men to find gainful employment and traditional living arrangements.

Eligibility

Must be:A nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that has already been granted tax exempt status by the IRSWorking to support Education, Healthcare, or, HousingProjects located in Eastern NC, Long Island, NY, or Central MaineSee a full list of eligible counties here.

Ineligibility

We cannot consider funding for:Political lobbying, campaigns, or voter registrationAdvertising or fundraising eventsEndowmentsGrants to individualsSupporting organizations as described in Section 509 (a)(3)