Fund established through a gift from renowned diamond merchant Lazare Kaplan supports youth in Livingston Manor and the Town of Rockland
MONTGOMERY, NY (September 23, 2025) – The Lazare and Charlotte Kaplan Foundation, a component fund of the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan, is pleased to announce the availability of its 2025 grant cycle. These grants are designed to support charitable organizations, community programs, and educational initiatives that benefit the youth of Livingston Manor and surrounding communities in the Town of Rockland.
Organizations offering programs in education, the arts and sciences, skilled trades, afterschool activities, youth competitions, recreational opportunities, and other youth-focused efforts are encouraged to apply.
“The Lazare and Charlotte Kaplan Foundation continues its unwavering commitment to fostering opportunities for young people in Sullivan County,” said Elizabeth Rowley, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan. “We encourage local organizations to submit proposals that align with the Foundation’s goal of creating lasting, positive impact in the lives of youth in Livingston Manor and beyond.”
Founded in 1965 by renowned diamond merchant Lazare Kaplan, the Lazare and Charlotte Kaplan Foundation was established with a clear purpose: to uplift individuals and strengthen communities. Since 2015, the Foundation has awarded over half a million dollars in scholarships to graduates from Livingston Manor and Roscoe Central Schools and has provided critical support to numerous nonprofit organizations and community-based initiatives.
Grants beginning at $250 will be awarded based on need and merit to qualifying organizations whose programs align with the Foundation’s mission. The deadline to apply is October 31, 2025, and recipients will be announced in December.
Evaluation Criteria
Each application will be carefully reviewed by the Foundation’s Board of Directors and evaluated based on:
- Alignment with the mission and focus areas of the Lazare and Charlotte Kaplan Foundation
- Effectiveness in addressing the needs and priorities of local youth
- Organizational capacity and past success in delivering impactful programs
- Anticipated reach and long-term benefits of the proposed project
The Board may request additional information during the review process as needed.
Apply Now
Interested organizations can submit their applications online at http://www.Kaplan1965.org by October 31, 2025.
Contact Information
For questions about the grant process or additional information, please contact:
Gary Siegel
President, Lazare and Charlotte Kaplan Foundation
Phone: (845) 798-2188
Email: president.kaplanfoundation@gmail.com
Lisa Mitchell
Programs & Donor Services Coordinator, Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan
Phone: (845) 769-9393
Email: lisa@cfosny.org
About Lazare and Charlotte Kaplan Foundation: The Lazare and Charlotte Kaplan Foundation was established in 1965 by Lazare Kaplan, a distinguished diamond merchant known for his legendary craftsmanship. The foundation aims to uplift communities and individuals through educational scholarships, community support, and grants for programs that align with its mission.
