Grant-Making

Philosophy — the Collectors Foundation promotes educational or training programs that are especially important to the long-term interests of the collector vehicle and classic boat hobbies, sometimes even initiating unsolicited proposals.

Criteria — used by the Board of Directors in its decision-making:

  • Does the proposal have a long-term view to help the hobby?
  • Does the proposal have the potential to create positive change in individuals and organizations?
  • Is the proposal innovative and worthy of trial, with the possibility of replication?
  • Is the proposal designed to further public interest and appreciation of the historic vehicle and classic boat hobbies?
  • Does the proposal address the issue of sustainability of the project/program beyond the life of the grant?

Types of Available Grants:

  • Educational scholarships are established with educational institutions that have specific programs or majors in restoration technology, rod and custom building, wooden boat building, and transportation design. Interested institutions may submit their request for scholarship support for these areas of study.
  • Vocational high schools are welcome to submit proposals for developing, expanding, or enriching vocational programs in historic vehicle restoration.
  • At-risk youth development programs working in conjunction with museums, clubs, or other nonprofit organizations in which hobbyists are used as mentors are encouraged to submit a proposal.
  • Other innovative, or collaborative programming that have potential to preserve the collector vehicle and classic boat hobbies are also considered.

Process and procedure — for making application:

  • Inquiries, by phone or email are always an acceptable way to check out the “fit” of the project/program before spending a lot of time preparing the application.
  • Applications must be received by January 1, for first quarter grants; April 1st, for second quarter grants; July 1st, for third quarter grants; and by October 1st for fourth quarter grants.
  • Click here or on the “Application” button to access the form and other requirements.