Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley Awards $350,000+ in Community Grants

Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) has awarded over $350,000 in community grants to non-profits, students and organizations. The organization gave these funds during its inaugural Community Changemaker gatherings in Dutchess, Ulster, and Putnam Counties, uniting fund holders and nonprofit grant recipients to celebrate collaboration and community impact. The funds, raised through the generosity of individual donors, fund holders, and donations from CFHV’s annual Garden Party, were distributed to over 30 nonprofit organizations based in the region. Of the over $350,000, $179,500 was awarded to Dutchess County organizations, $126,000 to Ulster County, and $50,000 to Putnam County.

The missions of this year’s CFHV grant recipients address critical needs in education, food security, health, justice, climate action, arts and culture, and animal welfare. CFHV President & CEO Laura Washington commended attendees, saying, “You all are the leaders, innovators, and advocates—the changemakers—who inspire us to make our community a better place.”

“We are thrilled to support such a diverse and innovative group of nonprofit partners,” said Cristin McPeake, CFHV vice president of programs. “This year's recipients include both first-time awardees and longstanding partners, each driving meaningful change in our region.”

One Dutchess County recipient, Hudson Valley Clubhouse provides a supportive environment for individuals living with serious mental illness, helping them work, socialize, and find fulfillment. Executive Director Blaise Sackett summed up their approach: “Community is therapy.” The CFHV grant will enable the organization to hire a second full-time employee to expand membership and address the growing need for social services in Poughkeepsie.

One Ulster County recipient, TMI Project, envisions a world where storytelling becomes an agent of change. Through sharing radically true, personal narratives, the organization empowers participants and audiences alike. TMI Co-Founder and Executive Director Eva Tenuto shared, “One of the core values at TMI Project is that our workshop leadership team reflects the populations we serve. In 2025, we are thrilled to be able to increase our offerings for local youth. The generous support from The Community Foundation of The Hudson Valley will support a youth development workforce program to ensure we are not only serving young participants but have young workshop leaders at the helm.”

One Putnam County recipient, Sustainable Putnam received their first CFHV grant this year. Joe Montuori, who founded the organization in 2019, described their grassroots approach: “We give presentations at area libraries, rotary clubs, and collaborate with groups like Cornell Cooperative Extension to spread the word about reducing greenhouse gas emissions, winterizing homes, promoting local businesses’ ecological responsibility, and improving the quality of life in our community.”

The Community Changemaker gatherings underscore the power of collaboration, generosity, and innovation in strengthening life in the Mid-Hudson Valley. CFHV Board Chair Bob Cotter encouraged attendees to help expand CFHV’s reach, saying, “By connecting us with new nonprofits, we can continue to address critical needs and broaden our impact.”

To discover how you can support the CFHV mission, explore the full list of 2024 Community Grant recipients, or apply for a grant for yourself or your organization, please visit CommunityFoundationsHV.org.

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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 $100 million in assets and administers nearly 600 charitable funds, distributing over $11.3 million in grants and scholarships in 2023 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.