Empowering Change: A Glimpse at the Grants Awarded in 2024

Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of supporting organizations making a real difference in our community. Through our grant programs and the supporting organizations, in 2024, we awarded $3,157,122.00. Each of these grants has gone to organizations with unique visions and a shared commitment to creating positive change.

From supporting innovative youth programs and providing resources for community beautification with public art to addressing basic humanitarian needs, these grants transform ideas into impactful action. We are thrilled to share the positive influence of these grants and the work of our recipients.

The year began with the Grants for Greater Manhattan program, which awarded 31 nonprofit organizations $150,153.00. The breakdown includes $9,750.00 for Arts and Culture, $73,028.00 for Basic Human Needs, and $67,375.00 for Youth programs.

The Deihl Community Grants and Community Arts and Humanities Grants distribute quarterly funding. The Community Grants program awarded eight organizations a total of $499,239.00, supporting projects that require significant resources and broadly impact the Greater Manhattan area. Two notable projects funded include:

• Konza Prairie Community Health Center: The grant allowed them to purchase a vehicle to help transport Manhattan patients, ensuring they receive care in the right place and time.
• Common Table: This grant provided funding for the Lincoln Education Center kitchen project, enabling the organization to feed individuals facing food insecurity.

The Community Arts and Humanities Grants were designed to expand public art and humanities projects, offering opportunities for artists and humanists to increase visibility and for the public to engage with art. In total, $259,850.00 was awarded to nine projects, with one standout:

• Douglass Center Sculptures on Yuma Street: These sculptures commemorate the rich Black history of Yuma Street, the Douglas Community Center, and the Douglas Center Annex, helping to preserve and share a vital history.

The Yes! (Youth Empowerment for Success) Fund fosters youth development, well-being, and a sense of belonging in the community. This year, the fund awarded $236,815.00 to 15 nonprofit organizations supporting after-school programs and youth initiatives. Two key recipients were:

• Boys and Girls Club of Manhattan: Funding for before and after-school programs.
• The House Cafe: Support for Teen Center Events aimed at empowering local youth.

The Goldstein Foundation, a supporting organization of GMCF, continues its mission to provide general support to the community. This year, the foundation awarded $752,875.24 to nine initiatives, continuing the philanthropic legacy of Jack Goldstein through generous contributions to local charities and nonprofits.

Another GMCF supporting organization, the Butler Family Community Foundation, promotes wellness, education, innovation, and creativity across three communities—Manhattan, Minneapolis, and Seattle. In 2024, the foundation awarded $367,818.00 to 27 nonprofit organizations, guided by eight core values that honor the late founder, Bernie Butler.

The Howe Family Foundation, established through the generous contributions of Phil and Margaret Howe, has been a vital supporter of the Grow Green Match Day campaigns and continues to make a significant impact. This year, the foundation awarded $594,372.00 to 4 organizations and initiatives, including a matching gift for Grow Green Match Day. The legacy of Phil and Margaret Howe’s philanthropy and generosity will continue to live on through the foundation’s work.

We are incredibly proud of these organizations' work and grateful for the opportunity to support their efforts to create lasting positive change in our community.