March 15, 2023

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley President & CEO Sally Cross announced this week that she will be stepping down from the post she has helmed for the past three years in May, 2023, after having witnessed profound growth and impact at the regional charitable organization during her nine year tenure.

December 08, 2022

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) is pleased to announce that its Community Grants program has awarded over $130,000 to nonprofits in Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties. The program invests in local nonprofits with general operating, program and capacity building support.

April 08, 2022

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY—Hudson Valley nonprofits emerged out of the pandemic-related economic downturn as strong and as essential to the regional economy as ever, while simultaneously addressing heightened human service and related needs, according to a comprehensive study conducted by the New York Council of Nonprofits, Inc. (NYCON).
 

January 26, 2022

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) is pleased to announce that its Community Grants program has awarded $132,000 to nonprofits in Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties. The program invests in local nonprofits with operating, program and capacity building support.
 

May 25, 2021

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley’s Farm Fresh Food Initiative has awarded 22 nonprofits $350,000 in grants. In its eighth year, the program has distributed more than $3 million dollars to help provide fresh, local produce to those in need.

January 11, 2021

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley announces Serena Marrero as its Director of Planned Giving. 
 

November 02, 2020

With the support of generous donors, Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley has announced grants totaling $258,600 to support local nonprofits contending with Covid-19.

August 07, 2020

With the support of generous donors and new scholarship opportunities, Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley is announcing its largest year of scholarships awarded to date. The regional grantmaker awarded more than $480,000 to 178 students.
 

July 17, 2020

With the support of generous donors and an ongoing fundraising initiative, Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley has announced a new grant program, ‘Pivoting to Respond.’ Funding will provide general operating support to nonprofits and communities disproportionately impacted by Covid-19 and its economic consequences. 
 

July 01, 2020

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley is pleased to announce the appointment of two new trustees. The organization has named Robert J. Cotter of Cold Spring, and Ashley Knox MPS of Kingston as the newest members of its corporate board.

June 22, 2020

In collaboration with the Dutchess County Government and the Dyson Foundation, Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley is announcing the fourth round of grants from the Dutchess Responds Fund. The most recent round of grants total $23,500.

June 16, 2020

For the first time in 26 years, Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley will not hold its annual Garden Party. The event has supported local nonprofits, but due to the risks associated with Covid-19, the organization is taking a new approach.

May 22, 2020

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley is announcing the third round of emergency grants made through the Putnam Covid-19 Response Fund. Totaling $26,000, awards in this round are funding emergency feeding programs and supporting physical and mental health services.
 

May 18, 2020

In collaboration with the Dutchess County Government and the Dyson Foundation, Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley is announcing the third round of grants deployed from the Dutchess Responds Fund.

May 08, 2020

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley has announced the appointment of its new Chief Executive Officer. Sally J. Cross, MPA, CFRE, will become the next CEO of the regional grantmaker effective June 1.

April 29, 2020

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley is announcing the second round of emergency grants made through the Putnam Covid-19 Response Fund.

April 28, 2020

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley has announced the appointment of its new Chief Financial Officer. Darcy Kelly, a finance and business administration professional who served in similar roles at Poughkeepsie Day School for 25 years, was named the new CFO for the regional grantmaker.

April 27, 2020

In response to the impacts of Covid-19 on the region, Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley is announcing that through the generosity of its fundholders, community members, and collaborative partners, it has distributed $1 million in grants to support local response to Covid-19.  

April 14, 2020

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley is announcing the first round of grants to be deployed from the Putnam Covid-19 Response fund. The fund launched at the end of March to provide caring community members with a charitable vehicle for making a difference. To date, community members have contributed tens of thousands of dollars which are immediately going to work in Putnam County.  
 

April 13, 2020

In response to the impacts of Covid-19 on the region, Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley is announcing $50,000 in grants to support the local food system. Funded by the NoVo Foundation, grants will support nonprofit farms and help to ensure that their bounty reaches those who need it most.
 

April 03, 2020

In collaboration with the Dutchess County Government and the Dyson Foundation, Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley is announcing the first round of grants to be deployed from the Dutchess Responds fund. The fund launched in late March to provide caring community members with a charitable vehicle for making a difference. It serves as a touchpoint of the county-wide Dutchess Responds initiative, which is working to mitigate the impacts of Covid-19.  
 

January 10, 2020

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley is pleased to announce the ‘Leadership Profile’ developed to identify the next President & CEO of the organization. Coming off of its 50th anniversary year, the regional grantmaker is pursuing a new leader to inspire and promote philanthropy.

September 09, 2019

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley is pleased to announce that it will celebrate its 50th anniversary on Sunday, September 22nd at the Mashomack Preserve in Pine Plains. The theme of the event will mark the organization’s path From Founders to the Future. The organization also named Jessica O. Matthews of Uncharted Power and Matthew Stinchcomb of the Good Work Institute as guest speakers at the event.

July 01, 2019

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) announced that Nevill Smythe of Red Hook will serve as the regional philanthropic foundation’s Interim President and CEO following March Gallagher’s decision to pursue public office.  The CFHV’s Board of Directors also announced that longtime board member Jeffrey Wood will become Board Chair. In addition, SUNY Dutchess faculty and public housing advocate Wesley Lee will join the board.
 

June 21, 2019

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley is pleased to announce 170 scholarship awards totaling $360,000. Funding will support the educational dreams of promising local students.

May 28, 2019

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley is pleased to announce awards totaling $40,000 to enhance curricula and classrooms throughout the region.

May 15, 2019

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley announces grants totaling more than $140,000 to invest in quality of life for Dutchess residents experiencing poverty. 
 

December 18, 2018

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley is pleased to announce that its Community Grant program has awarded $100,000 to nonprofits in Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties. The program invests in local organizations through purchase of equipment, expansion of services and enhancement of staff and board capacity.

August 10, 2018

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley will celebrate regional philanthropy, Sunday, September 30^th at Bontecou Farm in New Paltz. This year’s event will mark the 24^th annual Garden Party.

June 11, 2018

For its 33rd year conferring awards to local teachers, the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley has partnered with Verizon to award a total of $48,000 in grants. These grants will enhance classrooms and curriculum throughout the region, reaching thousands of students. 31 teachers from Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties will have funding for professional trainings, cutting-edge equipment and innovative projects.

June 04, 2018

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley and Upstate Capital Association of New York are partnering to present a keynote and panel discussion on business perpetuation and succession planning, June 13^th at Buttermilk Falls in Milton.

May 17, 2018

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley will honor Meredith W. Briggs of Saugerties and Joshua Mackey of Poughkeepsie at its annual Professional Advisors Breakfast at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 22, 2018, at the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel.

April 30, 2018

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley is pleased to announce that 19 regional nonprofits will receive a total of $813,000 in grants over three years through its Hudson Valley Farm Fresh Food Initiative.

February 01, 2018

Area residents and community leaders Bernard and Shirley Handel have converted their family foundation into a fund at the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley. In so doing, the pair will continue their efforts of improving life throughout the region – while strengthening the nonprofit’s work of serving the community.

January 10, 2018

Scholarship funds held by the Foundations will provide more than $300,000 to students throughout the region, for a wide variety of interests and intended majors.

October 10, 2017

Peale Allen, Carroll/Wieck and Sweeneys recognized for outstanding community service at Obercreek

July 24, 2017

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley announced their first-ever Putnam County honorees to be recognized at their Annual Garden Party. Community leaders Seamus Carroll and Marie Wieck will be celebrated at Obercreek in Wappingers Falls on Sunday, September 24^th.
 

July 14, 2017

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley announced Kimberley S. Williams as its new chair, along with several newly elected trustees and officers.

June 20, 2017

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley announced 181 awards totaling $311,364 in funds to benefit the most promising students of the Hudson Valley. 

June 01, 2017

Through the generosity of individual and corporate donors, Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley has awarded 29 area teachers over $40,000 to enhance classrooms throughout the region. Grants will fund training, purchases of cutting-edge equipment and innovative projects.

May 24, 2017

Partnering with an anonymous donor, Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley is awarding $10,000 in grants to shore up emergency response services in Ulster County. This opportunity provides funding for equipment and trainings which will enhance delivery and accessibility of emergency health services throughout the County.
 

May 15, 2017

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley will honor Mark V. Dennis, CPA of Poughkeepsie and financial advisor Bruce H. Tuchman of Saugerties at its annual Professional Advisors Breakfast at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 23, 2016, at the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel. The event is hosted by the Community Foundations’ Professional Advisors Council, chaired by trustee Ellen L. Baker, Esq. of McCabe & Mack LLP in Poughkeepsie.

April 21, 2017

Poughkeepsie, NY – The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, through grants from the New World Foundation – Local Economies Project, the Ralph E. Ogden Foundation and other private donors, is pleased to announce that 20 regional nonprofits will receive a total of $270,000 in grants through its Hudson Valley Farm Fresh Food initiative. The grant program invests in nonprofit organizations increasing access to local, farm fresh food for individuals who are considered food insecure.

December 12, 2016

After securing a challenge grant and matching funds from local donors, the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley opened the Community Response Grant program to Putnam nonprofits. This fall the Foundations awarded grants to six nonprofits. Grantees were selected by a volunteer committee who collectively reviewed 22 grant requests.  The first cohort of applications was highly competitive and funded requests ranging from staff development and program support to technology purchases and upgrades.

November 02, 2016

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley has been awarded a grant of $50,000 from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets to underwrite its continued work supporting nonprofit organizations addressing the complex issue of food insecurity in the Hudson Valley.
 

September 26, 2016

On Sunday, September 25, 2016, some of the Hudson Valley’s most generous philanthropists, business and community leaders came together at Opus 40 to honor Sue Hartshorn of Dutchess County and Gloria Turk, son Steve Turk and his wife Shelley Turk of Ulster County.

August 05, 2016

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley today announced four newly elected trustees for 2016-2017 and one newly appointed officer. Leading citizens from across the Hudson Valley serve on the Board of Trustees of the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV).

July 07, 2016

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley today announced 191 scholarships and awards totaling more than $300,000 to benefit the Hudson Valley region’s most promising students.
 

June 10, 2016

Thirty-five resourceful teachers from across the Hudson Valley now have more than $45,000 in new grant funds to purchase scientific equipment and implement innovative projects in their classrooms next year, thanks to the generosity of donors to the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley.

May 16, 2016

Event to be held at 8:00 a.m. on May 24 at Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel
 

January 13, 2016

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley has opened the online application process for a spring round of more than $385,000 in education grants and scholarships in Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties and beyond. 

December 14, 2015

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley announced more than $100,000 in grant awards to 22 Dutchess County nonprofits at a reception for grantees held on Thursday, December 10, 2015, at the Anderson Center for Autism in Staatsburg. 

December 14, 2015

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley announced $26,000 in grant awards to 14 Ulster County nonprofits at a reception for grantees held on Friday, December 11, 2015 at Deyo Hall at Historic Huguenot Street in New Paltz.

November 23, 2015

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) today announced that it has promoted Cristin McPeake to Director of Programs and Aliza Krevolin to Program and Finance Associate. 

November 04, 2015

Nathaniel Prentice, Nancy Rossi Brownell and a newly formed advisory board are on a mission to raise at least $100,000 this year for the Community Foundation of Putnam County, thanks to a matching challenge grant of $100,000 from the Dyson Foundation.

October 22, 2015

Dr. Maung S. Htoo of Vassar Brothers Institute presents grant to Poughkeepsie Public Library District
 

October 05, 2015

HUDSON VALLEY, NY – The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley today announced Arthur R. Upright as its new chair, and several newly elected officers and trustees for 2015-2016.
 

October 02, 2015

On Sunday, September 27, 2015, some 500 of the Hudson Valley’s most generous philanthropists, business and community leaders came together at historic Montgomery Place to honor Darlene L. Pfeiffer of Ulster County and Richard C. Strain and daughter Karen Strain Smythe of Dutchess County.These beloved community leaders were recognized for their extraordinary commitments to philanthropy and community service in the region.

 

September 08, 2015

The Board of Trustees of the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley today announced the appointment of March Gallagher as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective September 28, 2015.

September 02, 2015

Community members with long and impressive commitments to philanthropy and community service will be honored on Sunday, September 27, 2015, from 3-6 pm at the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley’s annual Garden Party.

July 30, 2015

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley announced today the opening of its Fall 2015 grant cycle. It is now accepting online applications from public school teachers for field trip grants, and will begin accepting online applications from nonprofit organizations for the Fall 2015 Community Response and competitive grants on August 1, 2015.

July 16, 2015

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley proudly welcomes two talented employees to its staff.

June 22, 2015

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley today announced more than 180 scholarship and awards totaling $275,000 to benefit the Hudson Valley region’s most promising students.
 

May 20, 2015

As you are aware, Andrea Reynolds, President and CEO of the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV), will be leaving the organization at the end of this month...

May 14, 2015

Thank you for being part of the Community Foundations’ success.  It has been my distinct fortune for almost 10 years to carry out the mission of the Foundations.

April 20, 2015

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley has awarded $211,000 in grants to 13 local nonprofit agencies that offer fresh, local produce to hundreds of families in Dutchess, Ulster and Putnam counties.

December 12, 2014

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley awarded more than 100 grants totaling nearly $200,000 to the work of local nonprofits in our communities.

June 04, 2014

Sally Cross has joined the staff of the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley as its new Director of Planned Giving.

May 01, 2014

 The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley and its affiliates, the Community Foundation of Dutchess County, the Community Foundation of Ulster County, and the Community Foundation of Putnam County, are pleased to celebrate our 45th year and announce reaching a matching asset level of $45 million dollars, more than doubling our asset level within this decade.
 

April 01, 2014

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley received a $475,000 grant from the Dyson Foundation. $225,000 was awarded to support the Foundations’ general operations for three years.
 

October 10, 2013

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley honored two area couples who personify community service on Sunday, October 6, when the regional philanthropic organization held its 2013 Garden Party. Over 400 people turned out to honor J. Joseph and Mary McGowan and Glenn B. Sutherland and Cynthia A. 

August 27, 2013

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley and its affiliate the Community Foundation of Dutchess County, have formally announced that they have received a bequest of $2.9 million from the estate of Leslie C. Roe.

August 27, 2013

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley and its affiliate the Community Foundation of Dutchess County, have formally announced that they have received a bequest of $2.9 million from the estate of Leslie C. Roe.

August 09, 2013

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley and its affiliates, the Community Foundation of Dutchess County, the Community Foundation of Ulster County, and the Community Foundation of Putnam County, have formally announced that they have reached $40 million in assets, doubling the total resources they held eight years ago.

August 05, 2013

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley is pleased to announce their newly elected officers and board of trustees for the 2013-2014 fiscal year.

December 03, 2011

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley released an eye-opening study during a grants award reception at Catherine Street Community Center on Tuesday detailing how nearly $22 billion in personal wealth will likely change hands in Dutchess, Ulster and Putnam counties over the next decade.

February 09, 2021

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley is your resource for local philanthropy. For more than 50 years, we’ve helped generous neighbors like you respond to challenges. Since Covid-19, hundreds of you have contributed to support urgent community needs. Together, we have and will continue to help mitigate the impacts of this global pandemic.

August 24, 2020

We understand nonprofit organizations serve bodies, hearts and minds in our community.

April 03, 2020

Last week, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act became law. Among its many pages are several provisions that could change your charitable giving. There are many resources enumerating these changes, including this from Independent Sector.
 

January 22, 2020

Buried in December's congressional budget, the SECURE Act* made significant changes to IRAs. Some may be helpful, but others may lead you to consult your professional advisors and make some changes to your plans. For people wanting to pass on substantial IRAs to junior family members, the news is almost completely bad.

January 28, 2019

When anything becomes popular and experiences prolific growth questions about its merits or potency seem to follow. As the largest and fastest growing vehicle for philanthropy, Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) have exponentially raised dollars – and questions – over the last year.  In light of these conversations we felt it a timely opportunity to share our thoughts on the transformational power of DAFs, locally and nationally.
 

April 16, 2018

Every relationship we have is based on exchange. The dynamic of giving and receiving allows meaningful relationships to continue and deepen over time. Knowing this, and seeing dozens of acknowledgment letters each week, we thought to offer some cues and clues about how your thank you letters can better serve your donor relationships.
 

January 12, 2018

Since passage of the largest tax overhaul in 30 years, we have been fielding emails, calls and queries every day. From individuals and corporations to nonprofits and grantees, all are looking for clarity on how the bill will impact their giving. As your partner and resource in philanthropy, we want to share some insights and ideas on how you can best to adapt your strategy to the many changes the bill contains in two posts. In this post, we’ll discuss strategies for nonprofits to adapt to donor’s changing priorities in light of changes to charitable deductions.

January 12, 2018

Since passage of the largest tax overhaul in 30 years, we have been fielding emails, calls and queries every day from individuals and corporations to nonprofits and grantees. All are looking for clarity on how the bill could impact their giving. As your partner and resource in philanthropy, we want to share some insights and ideas on how you can best to adapt your strategy to the many changes.

December 19, 2017

For many of us – an estimated 30 million people - this is the last year that your charitable gifts can reduce your taxes.

September 13, 2017

We have too much on our plates already, why does my organization need a planned giving program, too?

August 22, 2017

Many charitable organizations receive gifts from Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) and other charitable giving entities.  Many also fail to take advantage an opportunity to cultivate important donor relationships because they believe in one or more of the myths below.
 

August 02, 2017

Administering around 500 grant and scholarship funds, the Community Foundations is no stranger to the ins and outs of effective grant writing. We’ve seen the good, the bad, the ugly, the incomplete, and the phenomenal.
 

July 25, 2017

Most nonprofits understand the value and tactics of appeal writing – but with the increasing visibility and success of #GivingTuesday, many are considering new and innovative methods (online and offline) to build out their end-of-year calendars.

March 31, 2017

Scene: your nonprofit office. In a group meeting discussing strategy and financial needs someone chimes in, “we need to boost unrestricted income for the year. We don’t have a lot of time, but we need to raise [astronomical amount]. I know – let’s have a gala!”
 

March 31, 2017

A core service of Community Foundations is providing donors with reliable and effective tools for their philanthropy – including management and investment of Donor-Advised Funds.

March 28, 2017

We may be biased, but we’re here to make the case: community foundations are cool. Community foundations work at the philanthropic intersection of individuals, nonprofits, corporations and local governments. How does that happen?

February 03, 2017

If you’re in the nonprofit sector and reading this, you’ve made it through the busy year-end crunch – kudos! Now to regroup - we know how vital it is to stand out in the deluge of appeals donors receive. With so much at stake, why do so many letters fall flat?
 

Community Foundations staff are experts on a range of topics and would be happy to speak to  your service club, organization, business, or community group about the many services we provide the community.  We would love to help you better understand the compelling stories of charitable giving and what it can do to enhance the lives of others.

To schedule a presentation about:

Our work in Dutchess County and the Hudson Valley, please contact Sally J. Cross, President and CEO at 845-452-3077 or scross@communityfoundationshv.org

Our work in Putnam County, please contact Nancy Rossi Brownell, Vice President, Putnam at 845-452-3077 nbrownell@communityfoundationshv.org

Our work in Ulster County, please contact Kevin Quilty, Vice President, Ulster at 845-338-2535 or kquilty@communityfoundationshv.org

Our Grant Making Programs, please contact Cristin McPeake, Vice President, Programs at 845-452-3077 or cmcpeake@communityfoundationshv.org

Donor, Fund and Community Foundation Recognition

Local news coverage, websites, Facebook, Twitter and other social media provide many ways to publicize your grant award. Sharing the good news of your Community Foundations grant puts the spotlight on your important work and also can spark the interest of other funders and more investments in community projects.  
 

Media Tips

Think visually: Attach high-resolution photos to your press releases. Avoid group photos or groundbreaking shovel shots. Photos of your work in action are the best way to grab attention. Seize the opportunity for publicity if your event or program is particularly visual – would it be interesting for TV or an online newspaper video?

Determine your audience: Make a list of reporters or editors at local newspapers and assignment editors at radio and TV stations who should receive your release. 

Know media deadlines: Weekly newspapers may require your release a week or more in advance of an event. 

Keep your release short: Limit your press release to 250 words or fewer, with double spacing, a contact name, phone number, and email address. 

Think like an editor: Provide a substantive quote from someone involved in the project. Details matter. Answer the “who, what, when, where, and why” questions. Identify someone to be interviewed if a reporter calls.

Quote example: “This grant from the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley will help our food pantry feed an additional 50 people per month. Food insecurity is a problem in our county, where 11 percent of residents live in poverty.”

Please refer to the grant fund named in your award letter: For example, “The agency/org name received a grant from the Anonymous Fund of the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley.”

Make it easy for the editor: Your email subject line should be the headline of your press release. Attach a Word file of the press release to the email version.

You can see our sample press release here

Your communications contact at CFHV is communications@communityfoundationshv.org