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Causes

People with Disabilities

We are creating a more inclusive and accessible region for all New Yorkers. Together we can remove obstacles and improve conditions for New Yorkers with disabilities.  

Advocates holding signs and speaking up to demand better services at an MTA hearing 
The Trust gathered disability advocates through the Access-a-Ride Reform Group (AARRG!) coalition, which fights for accessibility improvements to our public transportation system. Photo by Ari Mintz 

Create a more accessible region 

More than one million New Yorkers have a disability. They deserve to have access to all the opportunities our region provides. Join us to:

  • Help young people with physical and intellectual disabilities enter the workforce.
  • Advocate for accessible public transportation for New Yorkers with disabilities.
  • Make cultural institutions and social services more accessible to people with visual disabilities.
  • Develop inclusive teaching models that integrate students with disabilities into classrooms with their peers.
  • Provide multilingual advocacy training to young people with disabilities and their caregivers.

And much more …

A young program participant wearing an apron cooks over a stovetop. 
Community Inclusion & Development Alliance provides enrichment classes and helps young people with intellectual disabilities develop job skills. Photo by Young Seh Bae 

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

The Trust does an excellent job of vetting charities to make sure that they are sound and fill the donor's purpose.

Jay D. Waxenberg, professional advisor

Over the years I have discovered that everyone involved with The Trust—donors, staff, and grantees—shares my passion for the city, its people, and for making it a better place today and tomorrow.

Charlynn Goins, former chair, The New York Community Trust

In philanthropy, I think it's important to put your dollars where your values are. It takes resources to bring good into the world, so we should commit to causes that are important to us and support them.

Hallie S. Hobson, Harlem-based founder and principal of HSH Consulting, LLC.; donor-advised fund founder

My family values the work The Trust does on our behalf in these areas of education and the environment. It helps turn our interest into action.

Bill Witkin, donor-advised fund founder

Future Donors

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

Current Donors

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

Nonprofits

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

Advisors

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

Support your passions

Open a field-of-interest fund to support the causes you care about—with as little or as much advice as you’d like from our expert grantmaking staff.

Contact to get started

John Oddy

Vice President for Donor Relations

Email: joddy@thenytrust.org

Phone: (212) 686-2564

John Oddy

Contact to get started

David M. Okorn

Executive Director, Long Island

Email: dokorn@thenytrust.org

Phone: (631) 991-8800 x226

David Okorn

Contact to get started

Laura Rossi

She/Hers

Executive Director, Westchester

Email: lrossi@thenytrust.org

Phone: (914) 948-5166 x3

Laura Rossi

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 childcare, 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

You tell us the issues important to you, and we'll help you address them

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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