Why we love community foundations - The New York Community Trust

February 1, 2024 | By The New York Community Trust

Why we love community foundations

Grantee Cool Culture connects families with arts and culture opportunities throughout the city. Photo courtesy of Cool Culture

It’s no secret that we think community foundations are powerhouses of meaningful change. But what makes community foundations different?

We think it’s that community foundations are uniquely poised to bring about powerful local change, provide a range of ways for everyone to engage in the joy of giving, and collaborate with local partners to help our region thrive.

What does it mean to be part of a community foundation?

For our staff and board, it means meeting the needs of the diverse communities in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester. We apply our deep expertise in a range of issues and our connections with local nonprofits, grassroots organizers, and government agencies to provide strategic support that effects positive change. Along the way, we get to learn from, and be inspired by, our grantees and our donors.

Our grantees appreciate that we develop lasting relationships with the nonprofits and communities that dedicate their daily work to building a more equitable and thriving region. Because we’re local, we can visit programs in person and talk with participants and staff. We also can gather groups of nonprofits with complementary missions so they can join forces to address their fields’ most daunting challenges together. Local nonprofits know that The Trust is ready to take a bet on a promising new project, respond quickly in times of crisis, and offer the consistent support and partnership that comes from being neighbors. They also count on our financial fuel to advance advocacy for systemic changes critical to building better communities.

What does being part of a community foundation mean for donors?

One of our favorite answers to that question is that at a community foundation, everyone can participate in philanthropy.

Whether you give a dollar to one of our community needs funds, attend a webinar with our grantmakers, or plan an estate gift, we’re here to maximize your impact and help you make a difference in the causes you care about.

Community foundations offer tax advantages and personalized services that can create a seamless giving process. Some donors choose to start a fund at The Trust by giving cash, stock, real estate, or other assets. Others make one-step online contributions to our community needs funds, which support nonprofits meeting urgent needs in New York City, Westchester, and Long Island. Our philanthropic and issue area experts are ready to help donors match their interests in the arts, education, health care, and other causes with effective and carefully vetted nonprofits.