New York Community Trust distributes $200M in grants

NEW YORK (PIX11) -- Tight budgets and increasing costs have squeezed many groups, activities and organizations.

A unique and special charity has been helping nonprofits in the region for 100 years.

New York Community Trust serves the five boroughs, Westchester County and Long Island. In the last century, it distributed $5.7 billion. 

Amy Freitag, the trust’s president, said they connect donors with nonprofits. 

"It's that collective impact that we like to think of as a crazy quilt of generosity that all knits together to bring a tremendous amount of support to the region," Freitag said. 

It's known as the largest philanthropy of its kind in the area. Each year, $50 million in competitive grants are awarded to nonprofits that apply and are selected. Another $150 million is given out each year based on donors' wishes. 

The Bronx River Alliance has been working along the waterway for decades. 

Executive Director Siddhartha Sánchez said the trust offers deep institutional knowledge. 

Crews and volunteers work every day to improve the water quality. This year, the Bronx River restoration is celebrating its 50th anniversary. 

"Private support is critical, not only the continuity but the flexibility and the ability to pivot and focus on what the community finds most important," said Sánchez. 

The next round of funding is awarded in the fall.