What WCF Funds

Our competitive grants go to public charities or to groups sponsored by one. While our focus is on Westchester County, we support some organizations headquartered elsewhere that are providing programs in the county. For example, technical assistance programs may be headquartered in New York City or the Hudson Valley. Grantees (or fiscal agents) should have a board of directors with at least five members and no more than one paid board member.

We fund programs that promote change in policy or systems, build capacity of organizations, and expand and/or improve direct service.

We do not make grants to individuals, endowment campaigns, capital and building campaigns, endowments, equipment, routine operating expenses, deficit financing, religious purposes, or events.

We support programs that address health disparities by improving the effectiveness, responsiveness, and equity of healthcare for marginalized and underserved communities. Preference is given to innovative programs addressing health and behavioral health that have countywide impact.

This funding area is currently closed.

We support programs that protect civil liberties and human rights through access to civil legal services.

We support programs that address basic human needs, including food and shelter, and programs that help individuals and families achieve greater long-term economic stability and self-sufficiency.

We support programs that provide opportunities for Westchester residents ages 16+ to train for and get good jobs. Programs must demonstrate a clear connection between the training and jobs, and include strong employer partnerships. Preference is given to programs that lead to industry-recognized certification and include job placement and post-placement services.

This funding area is currently closed.

We support programs that increase opportunities for youth up to age 24 to become resilient adults. Funding is provided in two areas:

1. Programs that empower young people by teaching essential social-emotional, personal, and practical skills that build resilience and will serve them throughout life—self-advocacy, conflict resolution, communication, peer mentoring, goal-setting, self-discipline, healthy relationships, teamwork, healthy behaviors, self-esteem, and more.
   Preference is given to programs that give youth a voice in the issues that affect their lives, and that offer diverse and culturally responsive experiences, expand cultural horizons, and provide enriching opportunities for community engagement.
   We prioritize programs that utilize a Positive Youth Development framework.
2. Innovative programs that create improved outcomes for youth before and after contact with the juvenile or criminal justice systems. Programs must provide critical social services supports, including mental health services.
   Preference is given to programs that use innovative strategies to steer youth away from school suspension and incarceration.

We support programs that broaden access to the arts for all and provide professional development opportunities for artists from diverse backgrounds.

Funding support is available in these two areas only:

• Post-baccalaureate education and training fellowships to promising young, economically disadvantaged artists that will help them make the transition to professional careers
• Programs that bring to life the rich cultural history of Germany, including scholarships, research, and programs that promote Germanic arts, folklore, language, literature, and music.

We support community-based efforts that seek policy reforms that address social injustice through grassroots and community organizing. Programs must involve and be led by those most affected by the injustice, ensuring that they have a say in shaping policies that affect their lives. Current grantees are working to promote access to housing, employment and economic opportunity, and participating in the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws.

This funding area is currently closed.

We support programs that promote more environmentally sustainable, resilient, and just communities; that seek to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting energy efficiency and sustainability; promote conservation and preservation of shorelines, reduction of stormwater run-off, and better planning for weather-related emergencies; reduce risk of exposure to toxic substances, protect drinking water quality, and preserve open space; and preserve biological diversity through habitat conservation and protection. 

This funding area is currently closed.

The Foundation supports the capacity of nonprofits in Westchester through convenings, workshops, and cohort programs that foster a strong and connected nonprofit sector. We do not entertain requests for technical assistance funding for a single organization.

We support early childhood education programs that increase opportunities for all children in Westchester to have equitable access to high quality care that prepares them for kindergarten and success in life. 

Funding is available in three areas: 

• Initiatives that expand the operating capacity of child care providers to run high-quality programs;
• Evidence-based parent and caregiver support models so that all children have a strong start in life; and
• Policy advocacy to advance solutions for Westchester’s families and early childhood providers.

We are not accepting proposals at this time.