Robert F. Schumann Foundation

Mission

The Robert F. Schumann Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life of both humans and animals by supporting environmental, educational, arts and cultural organizations and agencies.

Annual application deadlines

February 28

Program areas

Arts, culture, and humanities
Education
Environment, animals

States served

All

Program limitations

There are no program limitations; however, the foundation is interested in primarily supporting environmental sustainability, education, the arts and humanities.

Geographic limitations

There are no geographic limitations; however, organizations located in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and East Coast regions generally will be given special consideration.

Requirements

• To be eligible, organizations must qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
• Applications must be submitted through the online grant application form or alternative accessible application designed for assistive technology users.

Limitations

The foundation typically does not fund requests for general operations.

Grantmaking priorities

The foundation prefers to support projects that would not have been pursued but for the foundation's support.  Preference may be given to requests for the following:

• Animals (with an emphasis upon ornithology).
• Environmental sustainability efforts (with an emphasis upon open space habitats).
• Arts and education.

Annual application period and deadlines

Applications are accepted year-round. Applications must be submitted by February 28 to be reviewed at the annual grant meeting.

Communications

Applicants will receive an automated email confirming their submission. Grant decisions are generally communicated by June for applications received by the deadline.

Required agreements and reports

Except as otherwise specified when a grant is awarded, a progress report must be submitted by March 31 of the following year after receiving funds.

Foundation Information

The Robert F. Schumann Foundation was established by Mr. Schumann out of his beliefs that the environment is essential to sustain the future of the planet, that education is essential to solve many quality of life issues for society, and that arts and cultural programs offer society hope and the ability to dream.  Mr. Schumann was an avid environmentalist and fought for open spaces where birds and other animals could maintain habitats and where people could enjoy nature.  He supported efforts to improve the planet through environmental education, as well as artistic and cultural institutions that sought to raise the quality of life for local communities.

Robert F. Schumann developed a love of birds early in his life.  From a young age, he continued to learn and understand the importance of protecting the environment from over-development and pollution.  He purchased acreage in upstate New York where he created a bird sanctuary known as Nuthatch Hollow.  There he began a partnership with the local university allowing students, faculty and staff to use the land for environmental studies.  Mr. Schumann served on the board of many environmental and educational institutions seeking to encourage the interests of students of all ages to understand and appreciate the importance of protecting and enjoying the environment.

Robert F. Schumann died on December 8, 2011.  His legacy of support for the environment, education, arts and culture will continue through the work of his foundation for many years to come.