The New York Community Trust is a community foundation supporting equitable and thriving communities across New York City, Long Island, and Westchester through philanthropy and nonprofit partnerships.
Foster and engage in enduring and innovative philanthropy as New York’s community foundation.
The New York Community Trust was established in 1924 by 11 trust banks to create a permanent community foundation for New York. Its early grantmaking included a $1,000 gift supporting student recognition. That same year, Ralph Hayes became the Trust’s first director, overseeing its early growth and institutional development.
The Trust positions itself as New York’s community foundation, working with donors, nonprofit partners, and communities. It funds nonprofits through competitive and targeted/collaborative opportunities and uses an online grantseeker process. Application timing varies by geography and program: proposals to the New York City competitive grants program may be submitted anytime, while other programs (including Long Island, Westchester, and certain national/international environment funding) use specified time frames and/or letters of inquiry.
The Trust’s official history highlights long-running involvement in philanthropic responses to major regional events and public challenges, including the AIDS crisis and the September 11th attacks. Its timeline also describes sustained work to support civic and community needs, including immigrant support initiatives and literacy-focused grantmaking through the Astor Fund.
The Trust describes working collaboratively with donors, nonprofit partners, and communities. Its history references partnerships and co-created funds with other organizations in response to regional needs (e.g., the September 11th Fund created with the United Way of New York, and the NYC AIDS Fund launched with partners noted in its timeline).
The Trust’s 2025–2030 strategic plan was developed following its centennial milestone in 2024, informed by conversations with donors, nonprofits, staff, board, and local partners, and framed to guide its second century of service. Governance information and committee/board listings are published on its governance page. President Amy Freitag is identified on the Trust’s team page, and the history timeline notes her appointment to lead the organization into its next century. Note: An uploaded 2024 annual report PDF