The mission of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce Community Benefit Fund (CBF) (501c3 affiliate of MCC) is to support a wide range of nonprofit programs throughout Manhattan, encouraging volunteerism and garnering visibility and financial support for nonprofits seeking to improve the health, welfare, social and cultural lives of all New Yorkers.
The CBF encourages volunteerism in New York City, and also runs two of the oldest and largest street fairs in New York City - the 2nd and 3rd Avenue Community Benefit Festivals held in June and September from 66th to 86th Streets. The profits from these large events are deposited directly into the CBF.
We are proud to announce financial support from the CBF in 2012 totaling over $191,118 in grants, raffle and in-kind donations to 51 nonprofits on Manhattan's Upper East Side. Grant applications are sent out to the district's nonprofit agencies, who then apply for funding from the CBF for programs directly affecting Community Board 8 area, from East 59th Street to East 96th Street (from 5th Avenue to the East River).
"The purpose of these popular street fairs is to support a wide range of community programs in Community Board District 8,” said Ronald Paltrowitz, interim Chamber chairman. “Each year, event proceeds are used to support a wide range of community-based nonprofit projects in the area.”
To date, the Chamber has given over $3,000,000 back to the community. Every August, nonprofit organizations in the Community Board 8 district are invited to apply for MCC Community Benefit Fund monies. Applications are due in October. Actual grant monies are distributed in December of each year.
In addition, the CBF Raffle Ticket Program helps nonprofit organizations to enhance their projects. Proceeds to the organizations traditionally range from $59,000-$76,000 per year in total. This year, $62,618 in tickets were sold by the organizations to raise money for their programs.
We thank our continued sponsors: Radio Disney, Our Town, Time Warner Cable Business Class and New York Daily News.
Year 2012 grant recipients include:
- Asian American Film Lab
Description of Project: Independent film artists that display their work free of charge through workshops, seminars and social events and outreach.
- ASPHALT GREEN
Description of Project: The fund is requested to offer Recess Enhancement Program (REP) to increase physical activity and social cooperation.
- COLONIAL DAMES OF AMERICA /MOUNT VERNON HOTEL MUSEUM & GARDEN
Description of Project: Funds requested to have the museum present a Summer Garden Concert Series in the Colonial Revival Garden.
- DOROT, INC.
Description of Project: Funds requested are to continue providing meals, escort services and other activities that improve the quality of life for elderly residents of the Upper East Side.
- EVICTION INTERVENTION SERVICES: Homelessness Prevention (EIS)
Description of Project: Affordable Housing Resource Center:The money will be used to maintain programming at its current level and cover the consultant costs of our attorney and/or social worker.
- Faith In Action – Uppers East Side Volunteers
Description of Project: Meals on Heels – to expand the frequency of “Meals on Heels” preparation and delivery from once per month to twice per month. Also he project will allow us to expand the number of recipients from 15 to 25 individuals receiving this service.
- GRAMERCY BRASS OF NEW YORK, INC.
Description of Project: Replenishment of music library and instruments for band camp lost in hurricane Sandy.
- GOD’S LOVE WE DELIVER
Description of Project: Funds will be used to the Meal Delivery and Nutrition Counseling Program for those with HIV/AIDS or cancer, where menus are designed for each client’s medical and nutritional requirements.
- Health Advocates for Older People HDFC, Inc. - CARNEGIE EAST HOUSE
Description of Project: Replace existing computers with window 7 OS to improve quality and learning for class trainings among older adults.
- Inwood House
Description of the project: Inwood House’s Financial Literary Education and Empowerment Initiative– help teens develop practical skills, set short and long term financial goals and broaden career aspirations through workshops and other tools.
- JAMES LENOX HOUSE ASSOCIATION, INC.
Description of Project: Computer Enhancement-new monitors and Microsoft 7 OS to provide residents the resources for job searches, research, reading and keeping in touch with family.
- LENOX HILL NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE INC
Description of Project: Sundays at Two-additional funding to support current monthly performing art series to low-income older adults.
- LENOX HILL NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE INC.
Description of Project: Real Arts Education Programming – appropriate arts education including theater arts, music, visual arts, dance, animation and photography for children ages five through 13.
- National Academy of Design
Description of Project: The Review Panel- monthly critic and debate on current museum and gallery exhibits.
- New York Symphonic Arts Ensemble
Description of Project: Support the 2012 – 2013 Concert Series.
- Roosevelt Island Community Literary Associates
Description of Project: Advertising and Promotional Match – money spent to operate the program; matching advertising and promotional expenses of the cultural and educational nonprofit groups of Roosevelt Island.
- SEARCH AND CARE, INC.
Description of Project: The Lunch Bunch: renew funding and to continue an activity program, which provides weekly opportunities for socialization to the frail and disabled elders.
- Service Program for Older People
Description of Project: Expanded Mental Health Services for Older Adults in Community Board 8. The fund will help SPOP to meet the growing need for health services.
- Spanish Theatre Repertory (Repertorio Espanol)
Description of Project: Support school-day matinee performances for students within Community Board 8, subsidies over 200 student tickets, increase our outreach efforts and support outreach activities including, student contests, teacher training sessions, and workshop opportunities.
- THE CHILDREN’S AID SOCIETY / RHINELANDER CHILDREN’S CENTER
Description of Project: Support the Rhinelander’s afterschool activities consisting of additional focus on science, math, technology, fitness and ‘brain games’.
- The Doe Fund
Description of Project: Funds requested are used for the Community Improvement Project (CIP), where trainees are offered the opportunity they need to lead a productive life. Participants sweep streets, bag refuse, remove graffiti, water trees and plants etc.
- THE FRIENDS OF P.S. 169, ROBERT F. KENNEDY SCHOOL
Description of Project: funds are requested primarily to pay for the summer camp program. The Friends wish to send another 40-50 children to Camp Ramapo next summer.
- THE NEW YORK CENTER FOR CHILDREN
Description of Project: Education Enrichment and Mentoring Program-the grant will enable NYCC to expand our tutoring and mentoring program, to provide tutoring and mentoring to more children, to provide additional educational opportunities, as well as to provide updated books and educational materials for the children.
- The Senior Fall Prevention Institute, Inc
Description of Project: Fall…MOVE STRONG at MT. Sinai, a 12-session fall prevention and strengthening program including exercise and education
- TURTLE BAY MUSIC SCHOOL
Description of Project: The TBMS’ Public School Outreach Program is requesting the funds to support its community programs, which directly benefit Community Board 8.
- YORKVILLE COMMON PANTRY
Description of Project: Project Dignity program which provides basic services, such as showers, haircuts, laundry, mail services, vocational training psychiatric referrals, and case management services to homeless clients.
- YOUNG PEOPLE’S CHORUS OF NYC
Description of Project: The YPC’s annual season includes two self- produced concerts presented at the 92nd street Y’s famed, 900 seats-Kaufmann Concert Hall.