Bridging more than just the Hudson Valley

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley (CFHV) has awarded its first loan through its Local Impact Fund for Tomorrow (LIFT) program, providing Friends of the Walkway with bridge financing to complete the final phase of its New York State-supported lighting improvement project for the Walkway Over the Hudson.

The first of several LIFT loans already in the pipeline, this loan demonstrates how charitable capital can be put to work to help nonprofits across Dutchess, Ulster and Putnam counties.

The loan will allow Friends of the Walkway to move forward with replacement and supplemental lighting while it awaits reimbursement from a capital grant awarded by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

Launched in March 2026, LIFT provides nonprofits with flexible bridge financing when they have committed grant funding but need capital before reimbursement arrives. LIFT offers loans of up to $50,000 at 2% interest. CFHV provides the loans, while Ulster Savings Bank contributes 10% of each loan and originates and services the financing.

The model is designed to make each charitable dollar work again and again: when a loan is repaid, the funds return to LIFT and become available to another nonprofit in Dutchess, Ulster or Putnam County.