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Second Chance Foods is elevating health in the Hudson Valley by recovering nutritious food and delivering it to hungry families.

PUTNAM COUNTY
Creating local impact

Help us to invest in our community

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Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) is your partner for good.
We understand the power of local philanthropy, working with donors and nonprofits to develop innovative strategies and creative partnerships. We are vested in building stronger and more vibrant communities through focused giving that addresses vital needs and delivers lasting impact.

Partner with Us and Transform Our Counties Through Purposeful Philanthropy.

What We Do for The Community

Art & Culture

Education

$437,000
Scholarships

Awarded in 2023 – 2024

$542,000
Community Grants

Awarded in 2025

Environment

Food Security

Community Improvement

Animal Welfare

$164.2 mil

Grants Made Since 2000

What is a Community Foundation?

A Legacy of Giving

It all began in Cleveland in 1914, when Frederick Goff established the Cleveland Foundation in Ohio. Unlike private foundations, which often manage resources for a single family, community foundations were created to support thousands of givers with a shared vision of making a lasting impact. More than a century later, we remain committed to that vision: helping generosity thrive and improving lives across the Hudson Valley.

In short, we’re part of something bigger. There are more than 800 community foundations across the U.S., each dedicated to serving its unique region. While we operate independently, we share a common mission:

  • To be a resource for local people who want to pay it forward.
  • To channel resources into effective charitable programs.
  • To strengthen and support the communities we call home.

Community Foundations Upcoming Events

  • CFHV Annual Fundholder Briefing

    Wednesday, April 22, 2026

    8:30 am -

     10:00 am

    Join us for our annual fundholder briefing—an update from CFHV leadership on the markets and what we’re seeing across the Hudson Valley

  • Gen Z 101: Connect, Engage, and Inspire Young Audiences

    Tuesday, May 5, 2026

    10:00 am -

     11:00 am

    This virtual convening will be a practical and engaging session on how to better understand and connect with Gen Z (ages 18-30)

  • Real Estate Strategy and Structure for Nonprofits

    Friday, May 8, 2026

    10:00 am -

     10:30 am

    Join us for a conversation on navigating your real property lease with L. Danielle Cylich, President of the Neighborhood Preservation Center, and Craig S. Ruoff, Executive Vice President at Colliers.

  • Budget and Finance Basics for Nonprofits

    Tuesday, May 19, 2026

    9:00 am -

     11:00 am

    How to Tell Your Organization’s Story Through Budgets and Financial Statements - Funders don’t just read your program descriptions — they read your numbers. For small and emerging nonprofits, knowing how to present your finances clearly and compellingly can make the difference between a grant awarded and a grant declined.

Our Donor Stories

Stan Beinstein: A Lifelong Champion of the Arts and Community in the Hudson Valley

Stan Beinstein’s journey through the arts began in 1969 at SUNY New Paltz, where he helped produce concerts featuring legendary acts like Chicago, The Who, Jefferson Airplane, Chuck Berry, Seals and Crofts, and The Band. That formative experience ignited a lifelong passion for music and culture, guiding his career and his enduring impact on the Hudson Valley.

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Deacon Bill Mennenga: Addressing the Critical Issue of Housing Through Philanthropy

Deacon Bill Mennenga has long championed the belief that stable housing builds a stable society. Through his donor advised fund—the Deacon Bill Mennenga Fund—he has become a passionate and consistent supporter of RUPCO’s housing initiatives, helping families across Ulster County access safe, affordable housing.

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George C. Whipple III: Honoring History, Inspiring the Future

A true Renaissance man, George C. Whipple III is known for his multifaceted contributions as a journalist, employment lawyer, philanthropist, and even a farmer. Among his many passions, George holds a deep reverence for the rich history of Putnam County, where his family has lived for three generations.

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