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For New York. Forever.

As New York’s community foundation, we foster and engage in enduring and innovative philanthropy.

Current Donors

Thank you for making our work possible. Your generosity makes our region a better place to live—for everyone.

Future Donors

From education and the arts to health care and the environment, we’ll help you make a difference for the causes you care about.

Nonprofits

Learn more about how we support nonprofit organizations to create strong and thriving communities.

Advisors

We offer flexible, effective, and rewarding ways to help you help your clients meet their charitable goals.

Celebrating 100 Years

Join us!

Vote to help us distribute $3 million, share your vision for the future of our region, attend free events, and more!

Working together across New York & beyond

We believe in the power of local philanthropy, and that those closest to the problems are closest to the solutions. We work with nonprofits across New York and beyond to make a difference where it matters most.
Dancers performing in front of the Unisphere in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

New York City

Help us create a more equitable and resilient city across all five boroughs.

An adult wearing a wetsuit stands in an oyster boat on the Peconic Bay.

Long Island

Together we can improve the quality of life for all Long Islanders. 

The Trust's Westchester leadership and Ossining Mayor stand in front of a mural that reads: The Ossining Basics.

Westchester

Join us to create healthier and more vibrant communities in Westchester.

Together We Can Make a Difference

For 100 years, The Trust has helped generous New Yorkers come together to support the causes they care about and create thriving, equitable communities.

Arts
Children & Teens
Environment
Health & Behavioral Health
Justice
LGBTQ+
Housing & Economic Opportunity
People with Disabilities
Older Adults
Democracy
You Name the Cause
Arts

Strengthen the arts 

The arts enrich every aspect of urban living. Together, we can create affordable spaces for artists, improve arts education, develop the talent of historically underrepresented artists, and diversify audiences across the region.

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Children & Teens

Champion opportunity

Join us to build a brighter future for the next generation. Together we can support projects that advocate for better schools, improve literacy, increase access to high-quality child care, and prepare young people to become engaged citizens.

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Environment

Create a greener future

Our planet needs our protection. Together we can slow and adapt to climate change, improve our parks, reduce toxic exposure, and protect wildlife habitats.

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Health & Behavioral Health

Make New York healthier

Patient-centered, equitable, and accessible health care benefits everyone. With the generosity of people like you, we can support innovation in medical research, strengthen health systems, and help New Yorkers get the care they need.

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Justice

Stand up for justice and equity

With the generosity of people like you, we can work towards a more just and equitable society. Join us to protect civil liberties, increase access to legal support, and advance the rights of women, Black and Indigenous people, immigrants, people with disabilities, and others.

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LGBTQ+

Support LGBTQ+ communities

Join us to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, illuminate and preserve LGBTQ+ history, and make health care, housing, and legal support available for LGBTQ+ communities.

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Housing & Economic Opportunity

Create opportunity

Everyone deserves access to stable housing, ample and nutritious food, and rewarding work with equitable pay. With your partnership, we help nonprofits advocate for safe and affordable housing, reform food systems, and provide job training and other employment services.

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People with Disabilities

Create a more accessible society

With the generosity of people like you, we support advocacy for more inclusive and accessible schools, workplaces, cultural attractions, and public transit, while providing resources and support to New Yorkers with disabilities.

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Older Adults

Improve life for older adults

Together, we’re making New York a better place to grow old. With your partnership, we support training for home care workers, create opportunities for older adults to become leaders in their communities, and make it easier for New Yorkers to age at home.

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Democracy

Support civic engagement 

Together, we’re strengthening our democracy and ensuring communities in our region have equal opportunities to make their voices heard and take part in the political process. We promote civic engagement and get out the vote, increase census participation, help nonprofit media keep communities well-informed, and more.

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You Name the Cause

Tell us about the issues that matter to you

How would you like to make a difference locally? Let us know, and we’ll work with you to find the most effective ways to make a meaningful difference.

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I am proud to be part of The Trust's community. It has its finger on the pulse of New York and listens to communities and local leaders, which is important to me.

Martha King, member of The Trust's Giving Collective

It's gratifying to know that you can be remembered in a way that's meaningful and continues in perpetuity. It's good to be able to give back, and I know the other three members of my family would have smilingly agreed.

Jacqueline Dunbar, M.D., retired obstetrician/gynecologist, donor-advised fund founder, Legacy Society member

With The Trust, my wife and I will help make New York better for the next generation.

Jonathan Shoemaker, film producer, donor-advised fund founder

I think it's important that we all contribute to our communities. I saw a Trust ad and was intrigued. The Trust makes it so easy to become an involved donor.

Michael Sasse, nurse, donor-advised fund founder 

We want to make New York even better for our grandchildren. We feel we can do that best by having The Trust find solutions in the coming decades.

Lita Elvers, donor-advised fund cofounder

1924

First fund opened at The Trust  

2,254

Funds at The Trust

$5.7 billion

Grants awarded to nonprofits and award recipients since 1924

Who We Are

As New York’s community foundation, we foster and engage in enduring and innovative philanthropy.

A small group of adults stands outdoors; a Trust donor puts on a bee suit so she can handle these live pollinators.
Donor and professional advisor Nicole Francis and others visit the Bee Conservancy, a Trust grantee on Governors Island. Photo by Ari Mintz

Why The Trust?

From the creation of the country’s first donor-advised fund to our vital role in the region’s response to the AIDS crisis, September 11th, and COVID-19, The Trust has always been a pioneer, innovator, and leader in offering donors effective ways to empower and champion nonprofits in New York, Long Island, Westchester, and beyond.

Trust donor Rocky Chin looks at his surroundings in Manhattan’s Chinatown.
Donor Rocky Chin is a longtime advocate for New York’s Asian American community and is interested in ensuring that the legacies of cultural institutions live on. Photo by Ari Mintz

Stay in Touch

Receive information about our grantmaking, learn how you can leave a legacy to New York, and more. You can choose what type of materials you would like to receive.