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Young(ish) New Yorkers Powering Local Projects

Join us today.

New Yorkers want a way to give back where they can meet like-minded people, learn about amazing organizations, and harness the power of collective giving. And they want something that fits into their busy schedules.

That’s why we created the Giving Collective. It’s a giving circle for Millennial and Gen-X New Yorkers to deepen their giving, tap the expertise of New York Community Trust staff, and explore local nonprofits.

To learn more, contact Diana Gordon at (212) 686-0010 x355 or dkg@nyct-cfi.org.

How it works

  • Members make a tax-deductible contribution of $1,500 each year.*
  • Together, we will select an issue area, such as the environment, human justice, or education.
  • We will review nonprofit programs addressing those issues.
  • We vote and collectively make grants to effective organizations. Repeat!

*We welcome matching gifts from employers as part of your contribution!

 

 

Why Join

Why I give...
“I joined the Giving Collective because I wanted to connect with others who shared my passion for making a difference in the NYC area and because I knew there was no better guide for our collective giving than the team at The New York Community Trust. This community and expertise has helped me stay on track with my giving goals, while also making me feel really confident that my money is going to make a meaningful impact.”
Emily Rasmussen, co-founder and CEO of Grapevine

Recent grants from the Giving Collective

The Giving Collective provides grants of $10,000 to support grassroots organizations in NYC. The Collective votes on which groups to support based on recommendations from The Trust’s philanthropic advisors as well as the Collective’s grantmaking committee. After an in-person or virtual site visit is held, the group suggests the grant from its pooled fund in The Trust.

EQA_Giving Collective
Supporting environmental justice and stewardship in Queens

Eastern Queens Alliance brings together residents and neighborhood groups to raise awareness of the environmental assets and threats in their area, which is adjacent to Jamaica Bay and JFK Airport. The group helped secure funding for a new environmental center, where it provides programming ranging from yoga and conservation programs for kids to advocacy and civic engagement. The Alliance is fighting for better monitoring of noise and air pollution. 

The following quote is from Jesus Aviles, a volunteer NICE member who lost his job as a restaurant worker and has since tried to transition to the construction field. While Jesus seeks to get back on his feet, he regularly volunteers at its food distribution program and economic relief program.

“As soon as the pandemic crisis started, NICE opened a food security program offering warm meals, veggies, and healthy essential foods. Our program is open for everyone regardless of race, religion, or immigration status. I personally sought out housing support with NICE. They helped me find a shelter where I’m currently staying and also has offered me and our community continuous virtual classes and workshops that support personal development.”

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Helping women take control of their reproductive health

With the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case in June 2022, the Supreme Court ended the federal right to an abortion. Access to abortion is an increasingly important issue for women facing the high cost of the procedure and new restrictions in other states. The New York Abortion Access Fund reduces out-of-pocket costs and covers the cost of transportation and housing for out-of-state patients. The  Giving Collective’s grant to helped1,800 callers use its helpline to take control of their reproductive health.

Brianna at Rally; Photo credit_ BroSis
Supporting a place for young people to thrive

Through education and advocacy programs as well as professional development opportunities, Brotherhood Sister Sol helps young people build a promising future. With the Giving Collective’s grant, the group increased employment and high school graduation rates while maintaining a 0% incarceration rate among program participants.

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The Knowledge House

Digital skills are an increasingly promising and in-demand area for job‐seekers. The Knowledge House teaches coding and other skills that prepare young people in the Bronx (as well as Newark, Atlanta, and Los Angeles) for careers in tech. The Giving Collective’s grant helped 96 percent of the Knowledge House’s participants secure their first tech jobs.

Making an impact locally...
I joined the Giving Collective for two reasons — 1) I wanted to combine my giving with others so that I could have a much larger impact and 2) I wanted to learn about important causes and interventions that I was unfamiliar with before. So far the Giving Collective has delivered on both of these fronts because of the scope of the New York Community Trust's work and I’ve also gotten to meet terrific, likeminded people and the thoughtful and dedicated staff of the Trust."
Matt Amalfitano, vice president at Bank of America

Ways to Contribute

  • By credit card
  • Transfer from an existing DAF at The Trust: On MyNYCT, make a grant recommendation to “NYCT Intrafund Transfer” and put “Giving Collective Fund 5052” in the Grant Purpose box.
  • For other payment methods (wire, ACH, stock transfer, etc.): please email dkg@nyct-cfi.org.
  • Send a check: Make it out to “Community Funds, Inc.” Write “Giving Collective” on the memo line. Mail it to P.O. Box 22472, New York, NY 10087.