Since inception, The Westchester Community Foundation has operated as an affiliate of The New York Community Trust.
As part of our centennial celebrations, we are creating a single, unified organization to more powerfully advocate for our region with one voice.
We will still maintain our physical offices in Westchester with the same dedicated staff who will continue to honor and build upon our relationships with local nonprofits and communities.
You can now find us at: https://www.thenytrust.org/westchester/
The Westchester Index is at westchesterindex.org.
The New York Community Trust. For Westchester. Forever.
(Hartsdale, NY—March 27, 2024) The Westchester Community Foundation has awarded grants totaling $579,000 to 17 nonprofits. Among the grants awarded, the Foundation prioritized efforts to enhance civic engagement through local journalism, advocate for affordable housing, and bring community members together to tackle difficult issues.
“Many decisions that affect the daily lives of Westchester residents are made at the municipal level, including land use planning, economic and housing development, and municipal action on climate resiliency,” noted Senior Program Officer Tara Seeley. “Without reliable local news, residents are unaware of the issues that affect their lives. Support for The Peekskill Herald and the Hudson Independent will support local newsrooms that have the trust of their local communities.”
“As it is increasingly difficult to buy or rent a home in Westchester for many families, there is a need for new approaches and enhanced coordination. The Foundation is supporting the Welcome Home Westchester Campaign, which will engage local municipalities in solutions to housing affordability while aligning with statewide strategies,” said Program Officer Lauren Perkins.
“Restorative justice circles bring people together to work through difficult issues,” said Program Officer Robin Melen. “Our grant to the Town of Greenburgh supports communitywide conversations on difficult issues of race and belonging.”
African American Men of Westchester | To provide scholarships in honor of the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. |
American Indian Community House | To provide cultural and leadership programming for young Native Americans in New York City. |
Building & Realty Institute | To coordinate the Welcome Home Westchester advocacy campaign for municipal policies that encourage affordable housing development. |
El Centro Hispano | To help low-income immigrants become self‑sufficient. |
Girls on the Run – Hudson Valley | To expand a girls’ leadership program. |
Girls, Inc. Westchester | To expand a girls’ leadership program. |
Junior Achievement of New York | To expand a service-learning program for young people in Yonkers and Mount Vernon. |
Long Island Sound Stewardship Fund | For a funder collaborative dedicated to protecting and restoring the Long Island Sound. |
NY Presbyterian – Westchester (Lawrence Hospital) | To expand services to cancer survivors. |
Peekskill Herald | For a series of news articles on environmental issues relevant to Westchester residents. |
Rockland Community College Foundation | To provide scholarships to students attending Rockland Community College. |
Steer for Student Athletes | To support a mentorship program for 7th through 12th graders. |
Support Center | To provide nonprofit capacity-building programs to agencies in Westchester. |
The Hudson Independent | For a series of Tarrytown-focused stories in the Hudson Independent. |
Town of Greenburgh | To support a series of restorative circles in the Town of Greenburgh. |
Westchester Community College Foundation | To provide scholarships to students attending Westchester Community College. |
Westchester Oratorio Society | To support a concert featuring works from four Germanic composers. |