Each year the Bronxville, Eastchester, and Tuckahoe community comes together to support the most vulnerable among us.
By Sophia Nay
On Thursday, January 30th, residents from Bronxville, Eastchester, and Tuckahoe gathered at the Eastchester Community Center to kick off The Community Fund’s 2025-2026 grant application evaluation cycle.
Since 1919, The Community Fund has supported local organizations with annual grants to ensure that the most vulnerable members of the community are taken care of in times of need. Last year alone, The Community Fund allocated more than $500,000 to 17 local agencies and nonprofits. To help determine how funds are distributed, community members volunteer as Evaluators — they read applications, meet with agency representatives, and complete an evaluation to share their observations and recommendations.
Young People Shaping Funding Decisions
A unique aspect of the evaluation process is The Youth Community Fund’s involvement. High school sophomores, juniors, and seniors are eligible to volunteer as Youth Evaluators. Working alongside the adult evaluators, they fully engage in the process. Co-Chair of The Youth Community Fund Beth McKeighan shares, “I believe it’s a great opportunity for our YCF members because they get to see the nuts and bolts of how funding decisions are made and be part of a team.”
Youth Community Fund Evaluators are able to learn more about their local communities, appreciate the positive impact of philanthropy, and develop important skills in critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership. Eastchester High School Sophomore Stella Lorge shared, “I wanted to get involved with The Community Fund because I love the idea of young people directly shaping funding decisions that impact our communities. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by so many passionate people.” Co-chair of Evaluations Katrina Nay added, “Volunteer Evaluators are a hallmark of The Community Fund’s grants process. It’s such a unique and impactful way for community members to get involved, and we’re thrilled to have our Youth Community Fund members share in the experience.”
In addition to participating in The Community Fund’s grants cycle as Youth Evaluators, Youth Community Fund members will have a chance later this year to engage in their own grantmaking cycle. Each spring, they receive applications, evaluate the requests, and allocate $5,000 to local organizations.
Apply for YCF, Discretionary, or Mental Health Grant Funding
Agencies and nonprofits offering youth development programming to Bronxville, Eastchester, and Tuckahoe residents are invited to apply for a YCF Grant. Any non-sectarian social service agency of permanent or emergency nature serving this area’s residents are welcome to apply for a general Discretionary Fund grant or a mental health grant. Please visit: https://thecommunityfund.org/grant-seekers/ for complete details.
For more information about the The Community Fund of Bronxville, Eastchester, and Tuckahoe; the Evaluations process; or The Youth Community Fund, visit: www.thecommunityfund.org or contact Shannon McDonough, Executive Director, at shannon@thecommunityfund.org or 914.337.8808.
