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Westchester County Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals to Hold Annual National Philanthropy Day Conference on November 15

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Virtual Conference to Focus on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access

The Westchester County Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) will be holding their annual National Philanthropy Day Conference virtually on Monday, November 15, 2021, from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. via Livestream.

Ben Lambert
Diana Nyad
Renee Daniel Flagler
Lucy Sorrentini

National Philanthropy Day, celebrated nationally on November 15 th, recognizes the accomplishments and the involvement of those in the philanthropic process. This year’s theme for the National Philanthropy Day Conference will be the AFP Global initiative: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access (I.D.E.A.).

Attendees will enjoy a panel discussion on this year’s theme as it relates to the fundraising profession and philanthropy. The panel will include Renee Daniel Flagler, Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Long Island; Ben Lambert, Senior Vice President and Head of Higher Education, Nonprofit & Healthcare Practice at Berkhemer Clayton, Inc.; and Lucy Sorrentini, Founder and CEO of Impact Consulting LLC, as the guest panelists. In addition to the panel discussion, a keynote address will be delivered by Diana Nyad.

Diana Nyad is an author, sports journalist, public speaker, and long-distance swimmer. An accomplished distanced swimmer who broke numerous records, Nyad became the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida at the age of 64 on September 2, 2013, with a time of 52 hours, 54 minutes, and 18 seconds.

Speaking the words “never ever give up” Nyad demonstrated to the world the power of the human spirit and that you are never too old to chase your dreams. Her 2015 memoir titled Find a Way earned worldwide praise where she shares her story of this adventure and the life experiences that formed her unwavering spirit. Known as one of our great compelling storytellers, Nyad’s groundbreaking op-ed piece on her childhood sexual abuse for The New York Times drew a passionate response from around the world. Nyad, along with her friend Bonnie Stoll, has formed Everwalk, an organization to inspire the United States to become a nation of walkers. Everwalk has recently launched OceansCommit, a new initiative to reduce single-use plastic along our shorelines by hosting long walks and short swims.

“Our annual National Philanthropy Day Conference is our signature event featuring a wide array of speakers from different disciplines in the nonprofit community,” said Catherine Lepone, President of AFP NY, Westchester Chapter. “Our focus this year is an initiative that is being championed by AFP Global and we are proud to follow their lead in advancing policies and processes that embrace the diversity and values of all we serve.

In honor of former AFP National Philanthropy Day Conference Event Chair and board member Janet Pollack who passed away in April 2021, a membership scholarship has been created in her memory with the winner to be announced at this year’s National Philanthropy Day Conference. Janet was a champion for nonprofit organizations and the AFP, NY Westchester Board of Directors has put together this scholarship in celebration of her life and service. The one year membership is available for individuals who have never been members of AFP Westchester, conduct fundraising in Westchester County, and serve organizations with less than a $1,000,000 budget. For those who are interested in applying, please visit https://forms.gle/sXRQqKeHfrW478HL6.

The National Philanthropy Day Conference is open to the public and tickets can be purchased online at https://bit.ly/AFPNY2021. Ticket prices are $50 for members of AFP Westchester and $75 for non-members of AFP Westchester. This year’s sponsors for the National Philanthropy Day Conference are Events To Remember, Executive Printing, Mercy College, and YMCA of Central Northern Westchester. For more information about the conference or becoming a sponsor, please contact Events To Remember at (914) 218-3968 or via e-mail at EventsCJH@EventsRemember.com. 

About AFP NY Westchester: AFP NY Westchester, chartered under the Association of Fundraising Professionals in April 2010, is an association of professionals that advances philanthropy by enabling people and organizations to practice ethical and effective fundraising. The AFP-NY Westchester Chapter is dedicated to embracing the fundraising profession and serving as the premier resource for education, networking, and professional advancement. AFP NY Westchester provides opportunities for members and local fundraising professionals with access to industry innovators and experts through workshops, luncheons, and other resources. For more information about AFP NY Westchester, please visit www.afpwestchester.org.

If You are Having Trouble Paying your Rent in Westchester, Help is Available

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Westchester County residents eligible to apply for New York State Emergency Rental Assistance Program

$20 million earmarked for Westchester applicants

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY (June 2, 2021) – As of June 1, 2021, Westchester County residents are now eligible to apply for the New York State Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). Under ERAP, $20 million has been earmarked for Westchester County households at risk of eviction due to their inability to pay rent and utilities because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Click here to Apply for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

ERAP is providing financial assistance for up to 12 months of past-due rent, 3 months of prospective rental assistance and 12 months of utility arrears payments to eligible tenants, regardless of immigration status. Payments will be made directly to a tenant’s landlord or property owner, and utility company. Westchester will be assisting applicants throughout the County, except in Yonkers, where tenants and landlords will work directly with the municipality and its nonprofit partners.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a tremendous amount of financial hardship to many of our most vulnerable residents, and we want them to know that help is available. ERAP can provide a significant amount of economic relief to our low- and moderate-income households at risk of housing instability, and if you meet the appropriate criteria, I encourage you to apply.”

Commissioner of the Department of Planning Norma Drummond said: “Many Westchester County residents were devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and some are still struggling to get back on their feet again. This critical funding from New York State will help to ensure that those who experienced financial hardship will not become homeless and bring them the peace of mind they need to feel secure in their homes.”

Commissioner of the Department of Social Services Leonard Townes said: “The Emergency Rental Assistance Program will deliver desperately-needed help to Westchester landlords and tenants who have incurred financial hardship due to the pandemic. We at the Westchester County Department of Social Services are eager to assist tenants struggling with back rent and utility bills to apply for this lifeline.”  

New York State residents are eligible for ERAP if they meet all of the following criteria:

  • Household gross income is at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI). These income limits differ by County and household size. A household may qualify based on current income or calendar year 2020 income that is at or below 80 percent AMI.
  • On or after March 13, 2020, a member of the household received unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in income, incurred significant costs or experienced financial hardship, directly or indirectly, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The applicant is obligated to pay rent at their primary residence and has rental arrears (rent overdue) at their current residence for rent owed on or after March 13, 2020.
  • The household must be at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability, which can be demonstrated by having rental arrears owed on or after March 13, 2020.

For the first 30 days of the program, the unemployed, those with income at or below 50 percent of area median income and other vulnerable populations will be prioritized for assistance. After this period, applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

To simplify the application process, and ensure landlords and tenants have the support they need to apply, the County is partnering with 11 local nonprofit agencies to provide free aid to individuals seeking to apply for ERAP. Applicants can also call United Way of Westchester and Putnam’s 2-1-1 hotline with any questions and to find a nonprofit partner in their community. Rental counseling is available, in English and Spanish, with guidance for gathering the documents needed and access to computers to complete the application online.

For help applying, contact the following non-profits:

Catholic Charities

Community Housing Innovations

Community Resource Center

El Centro Hispano

Human Development Services of Westchester

Hudson Valley Justice Center

Keeping Communities Safe

Mount Vernon United Tenants

Neighbors Link

Salvation Army

Westchester Residential Opportunities

Marlene Zarfes, Executive Director of Westchester Residential Opportunities in White Plains, one of the 11 nonprofits with whom the county is partnering, said: “We know that the pandemic has been challenging for both tenants and landlords, and we want them to take advantage of this great funding resource. Our goal is to simplify the application process so they can get the financial relief they need. We urge applicants to act quickly. Let us help you to ensure you have all of the necessary documents in place to file your application immediately.”

The New York State Emergency Rental Assistance Program is being funded by $100 million from the state and $2.6 billion in federal aid. Westchester County’s application assistance program is being administered by the Westchester County Department of Planning. For more information, visit the New York State Website.

The Westchester County Department of Planning conducts a comprehensive work program and shapes and influences growth and development in Westchester County in order to improve quality of life and protect the environment, resulting in more livable and sustainable communities. For information, visit https://planning.westchestergov.com/.

This news was courtesy of the Westchester County Executive’s Office.

Paying it Forward! Discovering the Area’s Not for Profits

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The Chappaqua Community is widely known for its philanthropic sensibilities. Giving back is second nature to many. Fortunately, there are many not for profits in the area worthy of our time, resources and attention. Here is a sampling:

Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester (BGCNW)

BGCNW continues to inspire and enable all young people–especially those who need us most–to realize their full potential as productive responsible and caring citizens. While celebrating its 80 birthday serving Westchester, more than 750 kids attend daily amazing programming to learn, explore, grow, exercise, play, eat, swim, improve communication and leadership skills, volunteer, advocate and be great. Highlights: the award winning Marlins Swim Team has won BGCA National Championships for 20 consecutive years. BGCNW kids are aggressively recruited from the top Colleges; more than 54,000 have learned to be water safe; the BGCA New York State Youth of the Year is BGCNW’s very own Marie Kazibwe. Open 7 a.m.-9 p.m., Mon-Fri, with weekend hours. bgcnw.com

Break The Hold (BTH)

The BTH organization is committed to “Break the Hold” on mental illness and provide education about suicide prevention. BTH provides school and community-based advocacy programs that promote emotional wellness, resilience and suicide prevention. The program focuses on educating communities throughout Westchester to be better informed about suicide, raising awareness of the warning signs of those most vulnerable to suicide and empowering young people to have the courage to speak up. bthbreakthehold.org

Chappaqua Garden Club

The Chappaqua Garden Club is a nonprofit dedicated to the conservation of local gardens. The Club is devoted to the beautification of public spaces, educating the children and adults in the community, and practicing organic and sustainable gardening techniques. The club’s community outreach includes hands-on gardening and planting projects. Volunteers provide weekly flower arrangements for the Chappaqua Library and visit elderly residents and the Victoria Home in Ossining for garden therapy. chappaquagardenclub.com

Children’s Environmental Literacy Foundation (CELF)

The mission of the Children’s Environmental Literacy Foundation (CELF) is to establish sustainability as an integral part of every student’s K-12 learning experience. Through professional development programs and consultation services for educators, CELF encourages the connection between curriculum, campus and community in order to grow a generation of engaged students who will work for a healthier, more stable, and resilient planet. celfeducation.org

Dawn’s Ray of Hope, Inc.

Established in May 2011 by the friends and family of Dawn Re, a longtime Chappaqua resident who lost her brave battle with cancer in February 2011, to continue Dawn’s legacy of raising money to aid in the fight against cancer. Various events, including an annual all night “Dusk to Dawn” softball tournament and community barbecue, raise funds donated to support cancer patients and the organizations that provide assistance to them. dawnsrayofhope.org

Evan’s Team

Created by Chappaqua residents that use fun, creative and community based activities to tackle serious issues. Examples of these efforts include a 5K obstacle course on Westchester Medical Center’s campus, Golf, Tennis & Dodgeball event and a raffle for a convertible. Money raised has funded an advocacy group to combat distracted driving and to help families of trauma victims. One example is they created a Family & Friends Center for Westchester Medical Center ICU (Aug 15th ribbon cutting). evansteamny.com

Feeding Westchester

Feeding Westchester’s mission is to end hunger in Westchester County. As the heart of a network of more than 300 partners, we source and distribute food, and other resources, to towns across Westchester helping to ensure that none of our neighbors are hungry. We feed Westchester. Together we can solve hunger. Volunteer, take action, and donate. feedingwestchester.org

Friends of Greeley Theatre

Founded in 2008, as a means to support Greeley Theatre. Allows for purchasing of equipment and other necessities to produce three annual productions: the Fall Musical, the Winter Comedy, and the Spring Drama. FGT relies on generous contributions to subsidize enhancements and expand opportunities in drama, music, and other theatre-related arts. fgtheatre.com

Friends of Karen

Provides emotional, financial and advocacy support, at no cost, to families in the New York Tri-State region who are caring for a child battling cancer or another life-threatening illness. Friends of Karen carefully matches each family with one of its skillful social workers who serves as their personal advocate. Friends of Karen has touched the lives of nearly 16,000 children. friendsofkaren.org

The Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center (HHREC)

The Center brings the lessons learned from the Holocaust to thousands of teachers, and through them hundreds of thousands of students. The High School and Middle School Human Rights Institutes create Upstanders, people who actively oppose behaviors like bullying, bigotry, and hatred. The Holocaust Survivors Speakers Bureau provide students with firsthand accounts of life during the Holocaust. Additional programming includes the Distinguished Lecture Series, Professional Development and Holocaust remembrance workshops. hhrecny.org

The Honorable Tina Brozman Foundation for Ovarian Cancer Research (Tina’s Wish)

Founded in 2008, Tina’s Wish honors the memory of Tina Brozman, who passed away in 2007 after a two-year battle with ovarian cancer. The organization is dedicated to funding groundbreaking scientific research for the early detection and prevention of this deadly disease. “Know Early. Know Hope. This is our mission.” tinaswish.org

The Junior League of Northern Westchester (JLNW)

The Junior League of Northern Westchester (JLNW) is an organization of women trained for effective leadership in community activities and dedicated to the belief that volunteer service is an essential part of responsible citizenship. JLNW has been serving the Northern Westchester community since 1954 and has championed several causes throughout the years. JLNW’s signature event, Holiday Sharing Drive, has helped provide gifts and essentials for Northern Westchester families in need since 1981. For more information on JLNW’s Community Impact and Membership, please visit jlnw.org.

Making Headway Foundation

When a child is diagnosed with a brain or spinal cord tumor, the whole family requires a special kind of care and support. Making Headway Foundation was created in response to this compelling need and for the past 23 years they have been supporting these families in countless ways. During this time, Making Headway Foundation has helped thousands of families through unimaginably difficult times, providing a wide range of holistic programs, services, and investments in medical research. Making Headway Foundation provides Care, Comfort, & a Cure to families of children diagnosed with brain or spinal cord tumors. makingheadway.org

The Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry

This nearly all-volunteer-run pantry located in the heart of Mount Kisco offers weekly food distributions to residents of 20 northern Westchester towns, providing enough nutritious groceries for more than four days’ worth of complete meals. Home delivery is available for residents with a documented physical or mental disability. A variety of complimentary educational and nutritional offerings, health screenings, and other support programming is also available. The Pantry is open Tuesdays (5-7 p.m.) and Wednesdays (9:30-11 a.m.). Volunteers and donations are welcome. mountkiscofoodpantry.org

Neighbors Link

The Neighbors Link mission is to strengthen the whole community through the healthy integration of immigrants. Its mission is achieved by filling a service gap for new immigrant families, offering education and empowerment programs, involving longer-term residents in volunteer opportunities and creating substantive partnerships with other local organizations. Neighbors Link strategies are to educate, empower and employ families include a Worker Center, English as a Second Language (ESL) education, legal services and advocacy, workforce development, parent education, early childhood programs and academic support for school-age children of immigrants. Neighbors Link is headquartered in Mount Kisco and operates throughout Westchester County. neighborslink.org.

New Castle United for Youth (NCUFY)

New Castle United for Youth is a community coalition which receives funding through a federal Drug Free Communities grant. NCUFY brings together all sectors of the New Castle community to promote positive and healthy choices by our youth including through youth and adult education about alcohol and other drugs. Working with our sector members, including the police, ambulance corps, schools, faith-based and other community organizations, NCUFY helps to sponsor positive events and activities which encourage and empower youth to make drug free choices. NCUFY also offers resources for parents seeking information on and how to talk with their children about topics such as vaping, safe celebrations, alcohol or marijuana use and impaired driving. newcastleunitedforyouth.org

New Castle is on the Pollinator Pathway!

The New Castle Pollinator Pathways Coalition is a collaboration of New Castle landowners, local organizations, and Town boards and committees and other volunteers who are committed to the stewardship of privately-held and publicly-held land to establish pesticide-free corridors that provides native plant habitat and nutrition for pollinators. Look for the signs in your neighborhood and around town: Want to learn more? Go to pollinator-pathway.org or contact NewCastlePollinatorPathways@gmail.com

The Renaissance Youth Center (RYC)

The RYC in the South Bronx makes a difference in the lives of over 4,000 students every week, transforming and guiding them through the obstacles of growing up in the inner-city, so they too can look to the future with hope and pride. RYC tutors, mentors, offers music, reading, science, dance, and sports programs, and most of all teaches participating kids that their dreams for a successful and healthy future are within reach. renaissanceyouth.org

SPCA of Westchester

Founded in 1883 in Briarcliff Manor, the SPCA of Westchester is a “no-kill” shelter that supports more than 4,000 animals a year through its many programs. It’s the only animal welfare organization in the county with a low-cost veterinary clinic and is responsible for all animal cruelty cases in Westchester County through its Humane Law Enforcement Unit. The SPCA is not affiliated with the ASPCA. spca914.org

TaubStrong

The #TAUBSTRONG mission is to honor the memory of Casey Taub in helping to finding a cure for pediatric brain cancer. #TAUBSTRONG has partnered with The Matthew Larson Foundation which assists families impacted by pediatric brain tumors in providing non-medical financial assistance during these most difficult days. Additionally, the Foundation has a medical research grant program for supporting studies on the treatment and cure of pediatric brain tumors. Please visit ironmatt.org and ironmatt.org/taub-strong-tee-off for information regarding its annual benefit and additional fundraisers in the memory of Casey Taub.

Team Amy

The Amy Marie Crabtree Foundation was founded to honor the memory of Amy’s life and her natural philosophy which she lived each and every day with energy and purity, and which can be held as an inspirational example for all men and women as a guide through a life of integrity, strength, and compassion. Provides support and financial assistance to community initiatives that will benefit the poor, the hungry, the sick, and the unfortunate in order to create a better life for us all. teamamyfoundation.org