William C Dowling Jr Foundation
This organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting a diverse range of causes, primarily focusing on education, religious faith, health care, and the arts. Its mission emphasizes fostering community service, promoting Catholic values, and providing assistance to vulnerable populations, including the sick, veterans, and economically disadvantaged individuals. The foundation also invests in historical preservation and environmental protection efforts. It serves a wide array of recipients, including educational institutions, health charities, and organizations that support cultural and community initiatives, with a notable commitment to both local and global needs.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A small-to-medium nonprofit (often faith-based, educational, health, or local community organizations) with New York ties or a clear mission alignment that can submit concise written materials by mail and is comfortable with one-off or modest multi-year grants.
Good Fit
- • Programs in education, health, human services, religious/faith-based work, or local historical preservation.
- • A demonstrable New York connection or service to communities on Long Island / Shelter Island.
- • Capacity to accept typical grants in the mid-five- to low-six-figure range (many awards in the $5k–$50k band; occasional larger awards observed).
- • Ability to provide succinct written information about organizational character for a rolling review process.
- • Previous funding relationships or local credibility (repeat grantees are common).
Geography
Observed grants are concentrated in New York (about 61% of dollars in 2024 and the majority of grant count) but the foundation also funded recipients in 10 other states in the latest year, consistent with a state/regional footprint rather than a purely local or national program.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funds many distinct independent organizations each year (72→58→56 grants and recipients across the three years), combining a mix of returning grantees and new entrants, which indicates a broad recipient set for the foundation's size.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of entry exists: filings show 20 new recipients in 2024 (and 14 new in 2023), and the public filing includes application instructions (rolling submissions of written information to a named contact), so unfamiliar applicants have a realistic path to be considered.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
