Community Impact Fund

Grants to New York non-profit organizations that are working to address the most important needs of individuals and families living in Westchester and Putnam Counties. These grants are specifically intended to support innovative and effective initiatives within the three broad focus areas of: education, income, and health.

Applicants will be asked to select a specific type of Initiative they wish to implement from the following list:

1. Education
- SmartStart: Provide comprehensive support including advocacy, mentoring, and/or afterschool enrichment activities for students and families in Kindergarten through elementary school in “at risk communities”. This initiative may include coordinated, collaborative programs between schools and community-based organizations. This strategy will address narrowing the achievement gaps that currently exist in Westchester County only.

- Thrive By Five: Increase education to parents regarding the importance of early learning and provide parents with support to better prepare their children for school. Educational activities can begin as early as the onset of pregnancy and with a continuum of care and support for both children through age five and their parents. Programs in this area are for Westchester County only.

2. Income
- Teach Me To Fish…Work Skills for Life: This program area provides recruitment, training (job readiness), and placement for diversified groups of workers who have difficulty finding employment. This will incorporate financial education. Programs in this area are for Westchester County only.

- Homeward Bound: Increase opportunities for affordable housing by educating and advocating. Programs in this area are for Westchester County only.

3. Health
- Step Up 2 Health: Increase the number of people of all ages who are healthy by improving, awareness, nutrition, exercise, and social well-being. Programs in this area are for Westchester and Putnam.

- Voices for Positive Choices: Increase the number of people who avoid risky behavior, including drug and alcohol abuse, bullying, and unsafe driving. There is a focus on youth, but it is not exclusive to youth. Programs in this area are for Westchester and Putnam.