1. address the broad critical issues affecting Long Island regionally, including (but not limited to) structural and institutional racism, lack of affordable housing, inadequate public transportation, conflict surrounding new immigrants, differential access to quality health care, the needs of a growing aging population;
2. address the needs of communities and populations disproportionately affected by these and other critical issues and, because there is great disparity in available resources on Long Island, we are particularly interested in directing our grants to projects, programs, and organizations that strengthen and revitalize these communities;
3. enhance the capacity of nonprofit organizations working on these issues, both regionally and locally, by supporting:
   • delivery of quality "management assistance" services
   • research in support of advocacy (e.g., public opinion polls)
   • efforts to build alliances and collaborations to address critical issues and/or work in communities that are disproportionately affected by these issues.

When considering grant requests in the above three categories, we look for opportunities to support work that:

• promotes equity for all Long Islanders
• has strong local support and a solid constituency
• can be a catalyst for positive change
• seeks long-term impact
• empowers and creates leadership in communities
• builds lasting local resources to strengthen communities

Although we will occasionally make a larger Community Response grant, most grants fall into the $10,000-$25,000 range. Grants are made for one year at a time;  proposals submitted for renewed funding are reviewed on a case by case basis, but only after a report on use of the previous grant has been received  and approved by LICF staff.  In most instances, no more than two renewals will be considered.