Impact Stories: The Power of Collective Giving

Impact100 Westchester awards high-impact, Transformational Grants to nonprofit organizations serving under-resourced populations in Westchester. Through this grant-making, we have the opportunity to strengthen our communities and make a difference in the lives of individuals. We are delighted to highlight the stories of our grantees to bring to life the power of collective giving.

Furniture Sharehouse

In 2014, Furniture Sharehouse was awarded our very first Transformational Project Grant to purchase and customize a delivery truck, which was nicknamed "Suzy." With the addition of Suzy, Furniture Sharehouse transformed their operations and now delivers more furniture to more families, more quickly! 

A bed to sleep in, a kitchen table for meals, a couch to enjoy time with family & friends -- these simple furnishings create dignity and empowerment making a profound difference to those experiencing adversity.

We are delighted to have played a small role in transforming a house into a home for so many more individuals and families.

Pace Women’s Justice Center

When Cindy Kanusher, Executive Director at Pace Women’s Justice Center, and her staff heard about Impact100, they started to dream. “What could we do with $100,000? Let's change the way we deliver our services." They dreamed of a walk-in clinic to better serve victims of abuse.

With the help of Impact100 that dream came true. After being awarded a 2016 Transformational Project Grant, PWJC attracted additional funding multiplying our grant ten-fold. This allowed for not only a state-of-the-art walk-in clinic, but new, renovated office space and additional staff and lawyers. With this warm and welcoming space and increased capacity, PWJC will be able to serve 500+ more clients each year.

Communities thrive when everyone feels safe – we are proud of the role we played in expanding PWJC capacity to do more good work.

Groundwork Hudson Valley

A new, custom-designed playground was installed in an abandoned Yonkers lot made possible in part by our 2015 Transformational Grant awarded to Groundwork Hudson Valley. And with the generosity of other funders who followed our lead, the new green space will also include a community garden & art installations along the planned Yonkers Greenway that will connect Yonkers to NYC.

Check out the great work being done by Groundwork featured on NBC's New York Live.

We are so proud to have played a role in transforming an empty lot into a community resource.

Community Based Services: Good Reasons Dog Treats

In 2017, Community Based Services was awarded a Transformational Project Grant to expand Good Reasons Dog Treats, a social enterprise with a mission to integrate people with developmental disabilities into a supportive work environment.

Our grant enabled Good Reasons to develop a strategic marketing plan resulting in more people with disabilities attaining employment and receiving vocational training, developing communication skills, and gaining independence. Plus, Good Reasons saw an increase in dog treat sales by 22 percent over the previous year!

We applaud Good Reasons for doing well by doing good and are proud to be a part of transforming the lives of individuals with disabilities.

Latino U College Access

In 2016, Latino U was awarded a Transformational Grant to pilot First Gen Forward, a program designed to ensure Latino U Scholars complete college and are career ready.

Our grant enabled Latino U to support their Scholars with mentors, internships, and career ready programming. Based on the success of the pilot program, Latino U secured additional funding to continue First Gen Forward beyond our grant period, helping more Latino students and their families!

Hear from one First Gen Forward participant: "I just wanted to let you know that I'm officially one semester away from graduation. Finals are all done, and I ended strong. Once again, I'd like to thank you and Latino U for empowering me to move forward with my education. You've been there for me during the most difficult times of my college experience, and I couldn't be more grateful. I may be wearing a cap and gown the next time we meet but know that you will be walking with me."

We take pride in helping first generation students achieve their dreams.