Donors

Recent News

Grants of $356,600 to Westchester Organizations
Westchester Community Foundation has made seventeen grants totaling $356,600 to local agencies.  “We are so proud to be able to fund programs at these wonderful agencies,” said Catherine Marsh, WCF’s Executive Director. “A key goal of the foundation is to bring together philanthropists and organizations that serve the community—the vetting process in awarding these grants assures our donors that their support is being used in the best way possible.” In early 2009’s economic downturn, the Westchester Community Foundation’s Board of Advisors voted to direct any funds possible (those not restricted by donors) to critical needs in the county, notably food, shelter, and safety.
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Stephanie Crispinelli Fund Established
The family of Stephanie Crispinelli has established the Stephanie Crispinelli Humanitarian Fund in her memory. Stephanie was one of a group of students and faculty from Lynn University of Boca Raton, Florida, who had just arrived in Haiti when the earthquake struck on January 12, 2010. The group was there to participate in the "Journey of Hope" program with the nonprofit organization Food for the Poor. This Fund will continue Stephanie's legacy of caring and giving by supporting charitable, educational and scientific projects.  Donations may be made to: The Stephanie Crispinelli Humanitarian Fund, Westchester Community Foundation, 200 North Central Park Ave, Suite 310, Hartsdale, NY 10530.
 
2010 Grants Opportunities
The Competitive Grants Process for 2010 has been announced.  Click here for more details.
 
FAQs for Donors PDF Print E-mail

How often will I receive a report?
Reports will be mailed quarterly from the New York Community Trust.  They will list all activities that took place during the preceding quarter.  The are generally mailed about four to six weeks after the calendar quarter ends.

What is Advisor Express?  How can I sign up?  
Advisor Express  is a service for donors who serve as advisors to funds at The New York Community Trust. It enables users to view fund balances, gifts to the funds, grants made, and grants pending--with information updated daily. Donors can also recommend grants electronically.  Please email us if you would like to receive an ID and PSWD.

Can I change how my fund is invested?
From time to time, as circumstances warrant, you may request us to change the investment, but please remember, as personal as our service may seem, the money you have given us to establish a fund legally becomes our money, and while mindful of your interests or concerns, our decision on appropriate investment vehicles must remain the final one. For more information on how we invest, please click here. If you would like to discuss changing how your fund is invested, please e-mail us. 

May I make a grant to an organization that is in a foreign country?
Since 9/11 this has been an increasingly difficult thing to do. The circumstances under which such grants are approved are narrowing. Not only must we determine that the grant will be used for charitable purposes, but the receiving agency must agree to two important conditions:

  • that it complies with the U.S. Treasury regulations with regard to the Patriot Act; and
  • that it will expend the money within a reasonable amount of time (in other words the grant cannot go for an endowment or capital improvements). Many major foreign organizations have established "American Friends of..." and these, because they are based in the U.S. and follow regulations governing U.S. charities, are often good substitutes for direct support. Proposed legislation may make it impossible to make foreign grants from donor-advised funds.