New York State has some of the world’s most progressive impact foundations with a vision to effect change and respond to social, economic, and environmental challenges.

- The Rockefeller fosters resilience and equitable growth.
- The Carnegie Corporation promotes social justice and education.
New York’s Best Impact Foundations
Below is a list of selected Impact Foundations in New York as well as their mission, areas of interest, and funding distribution.
1. The Ford Foundation
Mission: To reduce inequality and improve lives.
Focus areas: Economic empowerment, education, human achievement.
Grants: $500M+ annually
Notable initiatives: Ford Foundation’s EQUALITY INITIATIVE in global social justice and human rights.
The Ford Foundation is a giant worldwide impact foundation with unlimited productivity capabilities within the United States. Economic empowerment is undertaken to ensure quality employment opportunities, access to capital, and growing economic status.
2. The Rockefeller Foundation
Mission: To promote equitable growth and resilience.
Focus areas: Global health, economic development, climate change.
Grants: $200M+ annually
Notable initiatives: Rockefeller Foundation’s 100 RESILIENT CITIES with goals of exploring the topic of urban resilience and sustainability.
The Rockefeller Foundation is, therefore, an Impact Foundation that addresses global challenges. One of its programs aims to provide global health care, reduce susceptible illness, and cultivate good health for all.
3. The Carnegie Corporation of New York
Mission: Advancing education and social justice
Focus Areas:
- Education Equity
- Excellent Learning Outcomes
- Education Innovation
Notable Initiatives
The Carnegie Immigration Initiative: Promoting immigrant integration and social inclusion
4. The Robin Hood Foundation
Mission: To fight poverty in New York City.
Focus areas: Education, economic security, health.
Grants: $100M+ annually
Notable initiatives: For workforce development and economic mobility JOBS PROGRAM of the Robin Hood Foundation.
Robin Hood Foundation is one of the impact foundations tackling poverty in NYC through education, reducing disparities, and promoting innovation.
5. The New York Community Trust
Mission: To improve NYC’s quality of life.
Focus areas:
- Education
- Environment
- Health
Grants: $200M+ annually
Notable initiative: The NYC Trust Environmental Initiative for sustainability and protection.
Other Notable Foundations
1. The Wallace Foundation
Mission: To improve education and enrichment opportunities.
Focus areas: Education, arts, community development.
Grants: $40M+ annually
The Wallace Foundation is a respected Impact Foundation supporting education innovation and community development.
2. The Surdna Foundation
Mission: To foster sustainable communities.
Focus areas: Environment, economic development, social justice.
Grants: $30M+ annually
The Surdna Foundation is a forward-thinking Impact Foundation addressing environmental sustainability and social justice.
3. The Altman Foundation
The Altman Foundation is committed to enhancing the well-being of individuals and communities through innovative programs and partnerships, focusing on:
- Health Innovation
- Cutting-edge treatments.
- Quality healthcare access.
- Healthy lifestyles.
- Research and innovation.
- Education Access
- Providing scholarships and financial aid to underserved students.
- Enhancing educational resources and infrastructure.
- Supporting teacher training and development.
- Promoting STEM education and career pathways.
- Workforce Development
- Job training and placement.
- Small business support.
- Career guidance.
- Industry partnerships.
By investing in these key areas, the Altman Foundation aims to:
- Improve quality of life for individuals and families
- Foster economic growth and stability
- Promote social mobility and equality
- Build stronger, more resilient communities
Grants: $13M+ annually
Conclusion
Impact Foundations in New York contribute to positive change across the state. They also work to make lives better and promote more equitable handling of resources in areas of education, economic, and social opportunity.
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