New York, NY (May 8, 2024) – The West Side Community Fund (WSCF), a consortium of leading businesses and firms that come together to support neighborhood initiatives in the west side of Manhattan, today announced the allocation of $100,000 to 19 grant recipients as part of its bi-annual grant program, which is administered by Hudson Guild, a multi-service community-based organization serving those who live, work, or attend school in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood. This grant cycle marks a significant milestone for the WSCF, highlighting its achievement of distributing over $1 million in grants to uplift and support communities in Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, and Hudson Yards since its establishment in 2018.

The allocation of microgrants further the Fund’s goal of strengthening communities along Manhattan’s West Side by investing in and bolstering groups that uplift under-resourced residents across Chelsea, Hudson Yards, and Hell’s Kitchen. The 2024 Spring grant cycle demonstrates a significant expansion of the Fund's impact, with almost half (eight out of 19) of the recipients being new organizations. This underscores the Fund's commitment to addressing a wide range of community needs, from food security and education to health and wellness, economic empowerment, community improvement, and the arts.

The 19 Spring 2024 grant recipients are:

• Adaptive Design Association - a collaborative initiative working with students and staff to design and build custom assistive adaptations for students with disabilities

• Building for the Arts – the organization that runs Theatre Row, an Off-Broadway complex that offers affordable space for performing artists and an engaging venue for diverse audiences

• Cambio Labs - a nonprofit that creates educational technology and curricular programs that transform students into social entrepreneurs, designers for impact, and community activists

• Elliot-Chelsea Tenant’s Association – the association will host a Teen Talent show to celebrate the artistic talents of young residents in Elliott-Chelsea Houses and foster community involvement

• Emergent Works - a community where those who were formerly incarcerated have a safe space to learn tech literacy and coding skills that enable them to seek sustainable employment

• Food Education Fund - an internship program offering valuable career experience to high school seniors through partnerships with top restaurants and the greater food industry

• Friends of Argentine Tango - a group that promotes and brings the positive benefits of dancing Tango and other Latin social dances to people who might not otherwise try them

• Fundavenyc – a nonprofit that connects the newest New Yorkers and all families in temporary housing to food assistance programs, immigration services, health insurance registration, and more

• Housing Conservation Coordinators – a community-based, not-for-profit organization, dedicated to advancing social and economic justice and fighting for the rights of poor, low-income and working individuals and families

• Hudson River Community Sailing – a non-profit youth development and community sailing organization that develops leadership and academic success in underserved New York City youth 

• Infirnity: Project Purpose –  an organization that offers community based programs, events and initiatives where people can come together

• Midtown South Community Council – a not-for-profit organization that is devoted to building better neighborhoods and stronger relationships with the Midtown South of Manhattan

• Mouse - an organization that designs computer science and STEM curriculum via their online platform, providing training for K-12 educators and engaging students through youth programs and events 

• PS/IS 111 Parent Teacher Association - an initiative aimed at increasing and diversifying PS/IS 111’s free family-friendly events and ensuring student families in temporary housing can fully participate

• PS 33 Chelsea Prep – a Manhattan District 2 elementary school will utilize the funding for after-school and school-day enrichments, extended programs during breaks, parent workshops, academic and counseling support, clothing, warm meals, and weekend meals

• Seeds of Fortune – a nonprofit online platform that assists members in their journey to economic security by providing affordable college options, financial management skills, and career development within a supportive sisterly network

• Translatina Network dba Translatinx Network – an organization with a mission to  promote the healthy development of trans people through the delivery of a wide range of information and services

• Parity Productions – a not-for-profit theatre company that prioritizes diversity by filling at least 80% of creative roles—playwrights, directors, and designers—with women, trans, and gender-expansive artists

• Xavier Mission - a FOR-IMPACT organization providing basic services as well as opportunities for empowerment and self-sufficiency to New Yorkers in need

“This grant cycle marks a significant milestone for the West Side Community Fund, celebrating its achievement of surpassing $1 million in funding provided to under-resourced residents on Manhattan’s west side,” said Michael Phillips, President of Jamestown and President of the WSCF Board. “Since its inception in 2018, the Fund continues to address vital funding gaps in the region, while also striving to inspire the adoption of similar approaches in communities across the city and beyond.” 

“Hudson Guild is pleased to support the West Side Community Fund as it continues to bolster local organizations and projects, and promote new ideas to meet community needs,” said Ken Jockers, Executive Director of Hudson Guild. “We are pleased to help the fund implement its mission. Our community is fortunate to have a committed group of companies funding this effort, and creating change for individuals and families on the West Side.”

Donors that supported this cycle include Amazon, Brookfield Properties, Clear, Cooley, Google, Hudson Yards, Jamestown, KKR, Pfizer, Promethean Builders, RXR, S9 Architecture, Tapestry Foundation, Turner Construction, and Wynn.

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About West Side Community Fund 

West Side Community Fund (WSCF) is a consortium of leading businesses and firms that come together to support neighborhood initiatives in the west side of Manhattan. Through a bi-annual grant program, WSCF supports initiatives that deliver improved or expanded services to residents along the West Side, particularly underserved populations. For more information, visit westsidecommunityfund.org.

About Hudson Guild 

Hudson Guild–a multi-service community-based organization serving those who work, live, or go to school in Chelsea and the west side– administers the grant process on behalf of the West Side Community Fund. Hudson Guild’s programming helps support, enrich, and empower community members. For more information, visit hudsonguild.org.