Chamber Foundation + Fund
Manhattan Chamber of Commerce Foundation
Driving Equity, Innovation, and Resilience in Manhattan’s Economy
The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce Foundation is the 501(c)(3) non-profit affiliate of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. Established in 1998, the Foundation operates with a distinct mission: to power individual business growth through direct education, technical assistance, and community-level innovation.
While the Chamber serves as the "voice" of business through advocacy and policy, the Foundation serves as the "hands," delivering the critical resources entrepreneurs need to survive and thrive. We focus heavily on bridging the equity gap, ensuring that minority, woman, and immigrant-owned businesses—as well as those in underserved neighborhoods—have equal access to the capital and digital tools defining the modern economy.
From our AI-powered support systems to our commercial corridor revitalization, the Foundation helps Manhattan’s diverse entrepreneurs navigate government regulations, modernize their operations, and scale their impact.
By investing in knowledge, skills, and accessibility, the Foundation ensures that Manhattan remains not just a place of business, but a community of opportunity.
View the organization's profile on Guidestar here.
Manhattan Chamber of Commerce Community Benefit Fund
The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce Community Benefit Fund ("the Fund") is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to the economic and social vitality of New York City. Established in 1994, the Fund was built on a simple premise: commerce should uplift community.
Our History: Supporting the Neighborhood Fabric
For over three decades, the Fund has served as a philanthropic engine, channeling revenue from Manhattan’s bustling street fairs back into the neighborhoods that host them. We have proudly donated over $2 million to a diverse ecosystem of local non-profits, supporting arts education, youth programming, and neighborhood beautification. For 30 years, we have ensured that the success of business translates into a better quality of life for all Manhattanites.
Our Evolution: Direct Support Where It’s Needed Most
As the economic landscape of New York City has shifted, so has our mission. We recognize that small businesses are not just the drivers of our economy; they are community cornerstones in their own right.
To meet the urgent challenges of today, the Fund updated its bylaws and expanded its mandate in 2024. We have moved beyond solely funding non-profits to providing direct financial grants to small businesses. This strategic pivot allows us to place capital directly into the hands of the entrepreneurs who define our streetscapes, helping them weather hardship and fuel growth.
Our Readiness: A Rapid-Response Vehicle for Crisis
In an era of unpredictability, speed is a lifeline. The Fund is now positioned as a trusted, rapid-response conduit for emergency relief. We possess the infrastructure to accept large-scale corporate and institutional donations and immediately deploy them to the ground level.
In the event of a crisis—whether a natural disaster, economic downturn, or localized emergency—we are ready to leap into action. We cut through red tape to funnel resources directly to the businesses and communities in immediate need, ensuring that corporate philanthropy translates into survival and recovery for New York’s hardest-hit sectors.
How We Drive Impact
Direct Small Business Grants: Providing cash grants to entrepreneurs for disaster recovery, facade improvements, and operational survival.
Rapid Crisis Deployment: Acting as a streamlined fiscal vehicle for corporate and private donors to disseminate emergency aid quickly and transparently.
Community & Non-Profit Support: Continuing our legacy of funding local charitable organizations that enrich the cultural and social life of our city.
Donate today to help us build a more resilient Manhattan.