$542,000 in Changemaker Funding Marks Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley’s Largest Grant Cycle Ever

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) has awarded its 2025 Community Grants, awarding a total of $542,000 to nonprofits across Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster Counties and marking the Foundation’s largest round of Community grants ever. More than 100 local nonprofits across Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster Counties have received grants of various sizes, marking an unprecedented level of CFHV-driven support for the Hudson Valley.

This year’s Community Grant awards represent CFHV’s largest investment in both dollars and the number of nonprofits funded, reinforcing the Foundation’s commitment to fueling innovative, high-impact programs that strengthen local communities.

“Over the past year, we listened closely to what people across the Hudson Valley care about most,” said Laura Washington, President & CEO of CFHV. “That community input guided this year’s grants, helping us address the most pressing needs while continuing to support the wide range of programs that make this region such a special place to call home. We’re proud to award the largest Community Grants in our history and to stand with the organizations working every day to strengthen our communities.”

Community Foundations is extending its impact beyond funding by supporting Hudson Valley nonprofits with essential educational resources and training. Through complimentary memberships to the Nonprofit Learning Lab, nonprofit leaders will gain access to expert guidance on fundraising, strategic planning, volunteer management and other critical skills. Monthly capacity-building workshops further strengthen organizational fundraising, governance and operations, communications, and financial management. These initiatives reflect CFHV’s approach to philanthropy – providing nonprofits with both resources and expertise to expand their programs, launch new initiatives and amplify their impact across the community.

CFHV celebrated the 2025 grantees at events in each County throughout December 2025. Awarded grantees include: Walkway Over the Hudson, Hudson Valley Clubhouse, Hudson Valley Hospice Foundation, Dutchess Outreach, DAY ONE Early Learning Center, Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum, Grace Smith House, Child Care Council of Dutchess and Putnam, Cold Spring Farmers’ Market, Phillipstown Depot Theatre, Inc., Sustainable Putnam, People’s Place, United Way of Ulster County, Mentor Me of Ulster County, Children’s Home of Kingston and many more.

“It is so encouraging to be surrounded by diverse organizations who build up our communities. Thank you [Community Foundations] for facilitating those connections, and for your ongoing support,” said grant recipients Joseph Montuori, Executive Director and Allison Hague, Community Engagement Director; Sustainable Putnam. “We thoroughly enjoyed the reception at the Putnam History Museum. It's always fun and interesting to chat with colleagues as well as CFHV staff, board, and advisors. Receiving a grant check is always welcome, but it's so much more meaningful to celebrate our accomplishments together."

“When CPW moved from Woodstock to Kingston in 2022, we were welcomed generously into the community. We formed strong friendships and partnerships with many of the nonprofits in Kingston. This enabled us to build an audience and to provide cultural services that augment the social services necessary to sustain lives and livelihoods. We believe photography and art are a key part of that mix. Community is super important to CPW. This is exemplified by those partnerships and by our long-term alliance with the Community Foundations. We have been proud grant recipients for the past three years. Binding ourselves into the social fabric of this community has been essential to CPW, and grant giving makes this possible. The grants provided through the Community Foundations are crucial to the lifeblood of the Hudson Valley. So, I heartily applaud all the grant recipients and grant givers present here today. Thank you,” remarked Brian Wallis, Executive Director, CPW.

"Unshattered is honored to be a recipient of a 2025 grant from the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley,” said Kelly Lyndgaard, Founder & CEO, Unshattered. “This support helps us achieve our mission of ending the addiction relapse cycle and helping those on their journey of recovery become good employees, neighbors, and community members. We are truly grateful for the opportunity to host this year's Community Grants recipient recognition event and open our space to bring donors, nonprofits, and community members together."

To discover how you can support the CFHV mission, explore the full list of 2025 Community Grant recipients, or apply for a grant for yourself or your organization, please visit CommunityFoundationsHV.org. 

About The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley 

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) is a trusted partner in philanthropy, empowering individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to establish charitable funds that address the needs of Dutchess, Putnam, and Ulster counties. CFHV offers expert planning that aligns charitable giving with both personal priorities and community needs. Established in 1969 as the Area Fund, CFHV has grown to manage over $130 million in assets and administers nearly 600 charitable funds, distributing over $17 million in local grants and scholarships in 2024 alone. As a tax-exempt organization under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3), contributions to CFHV are tax-deductible within IRS guidelines. Learn more at CommunityFoundationsHV.org, and by visiting the organization on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.