Dear Friends,
I am thrilled to share with you that Variety New York has made its grant decisions for the 2015/16 year. From an extremely competitive pool of over 100 applicants, Variety New York will support 27 outstanding grassroots organizations. This group includes 19 grantees who will receive financial support and 8 grantees invited to participate in our value-added programming.
I am pleased to report that the strength and diversity of our grantee partners continues to grow. Last year was the first time our grantees represented all three states in the tri-state area. This year, I am ecstatic to report that our grantees now represent all five boroughs with one of our newest grantees focusing on Staten Island! Disciplines continue to range from dance, visual arts, performing arts, art therapy, digital arts, fashion design, poetry and instrumental instruction. Additionally, this year’s grantees are truly reaching some of the most underserved groups in the region including, but not limited to: homeless youth, youth in foster care, LGBT youth, recent refugees, youth on the autism spectrum, immigrant youth, and young people experiencing various levels of post-traumatic stress disorder. I am most proud to share that the programs we will support through all of these grantees will reach 20,231 children-over 5,000 more than last year!
I hope that you all will keep up with our newsletter throughout the year to learn about the innovative and impactful work of our grantees.
Best regards,
Jessica Bynoe
Executive Director