They Channel Intentions to the Right Places

The New York Community Trust was the subject of the article by Anne Eisenberg entitled, "They Channel Intentions to the Right Places," published in the New York Times, Giving Section, November 12, 2007.

BILL DONNELL is a philanthropist with many charitable interests, among them gay and lesbian rights, the environment, the arts and, above all, the well-being of the city where he lives. "Ultimately," he said, "it's New York City I would like to benefit. I have a genuine love for it."

But the number of worthy causes in the city is daunting. Hundreds of nonprofit organizations press him for money. "You get all of these organizations wanting me to support them, and I have difficulty saying no," said Mr. Donnell, who lives in Manhattan. "I'm a sucker for a good cause."

So Mr. Donnell sought an intermediary - a matchmaker for his charitable intent. His choice was the New York Community Trust, a foundation with staff members in the five boroughs investigating the needs of the city and bringing them to donors' attention.