Ponce De Leon Foundation Awards $610,000 to Nonprofits

The Ponce De Leon Foundation, a private 501(c)3 charitable corporation, has announced the awarding of $610,000 to various nonprofits across the New York City metropolitan area. The Foundation, launched in 2017 with a generous gift from Ponce Bank, aims to improve the quality of life in communities served by the bank. This year's grants support a diverse range of organizations and initiatives, focusing on areas such as affordable housing, healthcare, economic development, education, social services, cultural events, and targeted programming for youth and senior services.

The Foundation's grants have been allocated to support organizations addressing critical needs in the communities they serve. Some notable grantees and their respective projects include:

* ACE Programs: $25,000 for the Expansion of Services for Low-Income, Independently Housed Individuals in Western Queens Project
* Act Now Foundation, Inc.: $20,000 for the Alzheimer’s Care Project
* Andromeda Community Initiative: $30,000 for Constructive Career
* Brooklyn Youth Sports Club Inc: $30,000 for Brooklyn Youths Sports Club Program.
* Creative Art Works: $15,000 for Public Art Youth Employment Programs.
* Daniel’s Music Foundation: $20,000 for Disability Awareness.
* Education Through Music: $30,000 for Music Education Program.
* Girls Incorporated of New York City: $30,000 for the Project Accelerate.
* Hope Kids NY.: $25,000 for the Ready, Set, Go to College Program.
* Housing Partnership Development Corp: $30,000 for Homeownership Counseling & Education program.
* I Challenge Myself Inc: $10,000 for Cycling Smartly in The Bronx program.
* Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning Inc: $20,000 for JCAL Riddim Section.
* Neighborhood Self Help by Older Persons Project Inc (SHOPP): $30,000 for Senior Community Assistance.
* New Heights Youth Inc: $25,000 for College Bound Program.
* New York Women’s Chamber of Commerce: $30,000 for the ContractHer Program.
* Palisades Emergency Residence PERC: $15,000 for Technology Access Program.
* Part of the Solution (POTS): $30,000 for the ESOL Support Program.
* Princeton Center for Leadership & Learning: $30,000 for Connecting Gardening, Science & Literacy
* Project Hope Charities, Inc: $30,000 for Food Pantry Project.
* Regional Aid for Interim Needs Inc RAIN: $30,000 for Cucina Dolores Mobile Food Kitchen Project.
* Spanish Speaking Elderly – RAICES: $30,000 for Mindful Journey Program.
* The HOPE Program Inc: $30,000 for Digital Literacy for Low-Income New Yorkers Program.
* Union City Music Project, Inc: $15,000 for the 2025 After School Orchestral Music Education Program.
* The Young People’s Chorus of New York City: $30,000 for YPC South Bronx Community Chorus Program.

Madeline V. Marquez, Executive Director of the Ponce De Leon Foundation, stated, “We are thrilled to celebrate the dedication and commitment demonstrated by these organizations in supporting the worthy causes that help our communities flourish and grow. Carlos P. Naudon, President and Director of the Ponce De Leon Foundation, remarked that “it is an honor to be part in the development of the communities we serve along with the distinguished organizations receiving these awards.” Steven A. Tsavaris, Chairman of the Ponce De Leon Foundation added, “it’s exciting to be part of the Ponce De Leon Foundation which strives to help non-profits make a positive impact in the communities we serve.”

The Ponce De Leon Foundation's commitment to supporting nonprofits and community initiatives is evident in its continued investment in the New York City metropolitan area. Through its grants, the Foundation aims to strengthen communities and improve the quality of life for residents in the areas served by Ponce Bank.