From the Chair and President
As we write this, our region is in bloom. You might smell blossoms from a Brooklyn sidewalk, spot a piping plover on Long Island’s shores, or catch a chorus of spring peepers as night falls in Westchester.
We’re reminded of how lucky we are to lead a community foundation driven by thousands of donors, nonprofit colleagues, and local partners who share a deep connection to this extraordinary region and a commitment to serving all of its diverse communities—from Staten Island and Hempstead to the Bronx and Mount Vernon.
This shared commitment has never been more important than it is today. Local nonprofits and communities face great uncertainty, while New York’s growing affordability crisis means more of our neighbors are unhoused, going hungry, and unable to get the services they need.
But we know from experience that no challenge is too big for New Yorkers when we work together and stay true to our shared values. The Trust, with its 100-year history of meeting our region’s needs by both responding effectively in times of crisis and investing in long-term change, specializes in bringing New Yorkers together to build brighter futures.
Last year was no exception. We helped pass historic citywide zoning reforms to build much-needed housing across the boroughs. We supported a coalition of nonprofits that unified Long Island voters behind a ballot proposition funding vital improvements to local water quality. And our grantmaking in Westchester helped raise the county’s minimum wage. These are just a few examples—you’ll read about many more in the pages that follow.
This year, we are affirming our commitment to continuing to ensure that the opportunities and offerings that have helped our region thrive for the last century are available to all New Yorkers, today and for the next 100 years.
Thank you for your partnership.
In community,
Amy Freitag, President
Jamie Drake, Board Chair
