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COMMUNITY NEEDS FUND

Support your community with one easy gift

Our Community Needs Fund brings together contributions from people like you to quickly address the urgent needs of our neighbors throughout New York City, Long Island, and Westchester.

Donate

Why support the Community Needs Fund? 

Help your neighbors

Your gift to our Community Needs Fund will help our region's communities thrive by funding local nonprofits providing food, housing, care for older adults, and other urgent services.

Easily support multiple organizations

Help several nonprofits with one gift. Our grantmaking experts carefully research the most promising programs and services that will make the most of your generosity.

Respond to a local crisis

Our Community Needs Fund helps our issue area experts respond immediately to crises like Covid-19 or natural disasters. Your gift will make a lasting difference for neighbors in need.  

We have a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction that in our little way we're contributing. We're making a bit of a difference in the community we live in.

Patrice Louvet, CEO & president, Ralph Lauren Corp, donor-advised fund cofounder

The things that we—as regular citizens—don't know in regard to the needs of a community are astounding. As both an attorney and as the Long Island Community Foundation board chair, it's been eye-opening for me.

Patricia Marcin, attorney, partner at Rivkin Radler, and chair of our Long Island advisory board

The Trust has done a great job of meeting the community's needs as they change over time.

Joseph Samulski, chief fiduciary officer for BNY Mellon Wealth Management

I hope more people realize that they too can be part of the philanthropic community without being a billionaire.

Michael Sasse, nurse, donor-advised fund founder

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 Trust board chair

FAQs

Our Community Needs Fund serves New York City, Long Island, and Westchester.

Who should give to the Community Needs Fund?
What does the Community Needs Fund support?
Can I give from my IRA?
Can I give from my donor-advised fund?
Who should give to the Community Needs Fund?

Everyone!

You can give with The Trust without setting up a fund, and you can give any amount. Many of our current donors transfer assets from their funds into our Community Needs Fund to support local nonprofits. We welcome contributions of all sizes throughout the year.

What does the Community Needs Fund support?

We are neighbors helping neighbors

Our Community Needs Fund addresses a range of needs in New York, Long Island, and Westchester. Your gift will do everything from helping local businesses thrive and improving mental health care to shoring up food banks and educating young people.

Can I give from my IRA?

A great use of your Qualified Charitable Distribution

Under the “charitable IRA rollover” provision, donors ages 70 ½ and over may direct contributions from an IRA to our Community Needs Fund, excluding them from taxable income (up to $100,000) and counting them towards the required minimum distribution. As the provision excludes contributions to donor-advised funds or private foundations, this is a great way to take advantage of this tax benefit.

Can I give from my donor-advised fund?

Giving with your donor-advised fund is easy

If you have a donor-advised fund, you can transfer a gift from your fund. If you use MyGrants, look for the “Community Needs Fund” tab.

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Contact us

Diana Gordon

She/They

Philanthropy Officer

Email: dgordon@thenytrust.org

Phone: (212) 481-2677

Diana Gordon

More Ways to Give

Explore other options for giving with The Trust. No matter how you want to make an impact, we can help you turn a variety of assets into a force for good.

Ways to Give