09/27/2025
The Ocasio Family Fund: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Ocasio Family Fund?
The Ocasio Family Fund, established in 2022 by Anaika and William Ocasio, aims to give back to the Fair Haven community and support the Latino community in New Haven, focusing on youth pursuing careers in the trades.
2. Why did Anaika and William Ocasio decide to start this fund?
As long-time residents of Fair Haven, both Anaika and William have deep roots and a passion for their neighborhood. They wanted to create an impact by providing scholarships and grants to help youth who aren't planning to attend college, emphasizing the importance of careers in trades.
3. What specific initiatives does the fund support?
The Ocasio Family Fund will partner with nonprofits through the Community Foundation to provide scholarships and grants for high school students pursuing trades, as well as support women entrepreneurs. The goal is to alleviate financial burdens on families for essential items as they begin their journey.
4. How does the Ocasio Family Fund plan to identify students in need?
The fund can collaborate with established nonprofits, trade schools and high school counselors or community leaders that have identified students from the community interested in pursuing trades.
5. How can I get involved or support the Ocasio Family Fund?
You can make a donation to the Ocasio Family Fund through directly on the The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven website www.cfgnh.org scroll to find The Ocasio Family Fund. Every contribution is tax deductible and helps us grow the fund to support local youth and entrepreneurs in their pursuit of success!
6. What does it mean for Anaika and William to be giving back to the community?
For them, it's about creating opportunities and leaving a legacy for future generations. They are committed to encouraging their children and others to carry forward the values of faith, community service, and the spirit of giving.
7. Why focus on trades rather than college education?
There is a significant need for grants for students going in trades when compared to students going to colleges. The Ocasios believe these professions can offer stable careers for those who may not choose the traditional college route and they just simply wanted to be a vessel to help bridge the gap.
8. Can you share a personal connection to the Fair Haven community?
Anaika's mother owned a small boutique on Grand Avenue in the 80’s and William grew up in Fair Haven, both have witnessed the neighborhood evolve. Their personal experiences inspire their commitment to nurturing and uplifting that community.
9. How can I stay updated on the Ocasio Family Fund’s activities and initiatives?
Follow us on social media to get the latest updates, inspiring stories, and information on how you can support our mission. Together, we can make a difference!
10. I hear you say the Fund is in Perpetuity? What does that mean? A perpetual fund is designed to last indefinitely. The principal amount (the initial donation or investment) is preserved, while the returns generated from this principal are used for grants.
Anaika and William started this fund with their own initial donation of $10,000 to qualify the fund to live inside the community foundation forever and to ensure it produces grants yearly. With your additional donations the fund can continually grow and generate even more grants to reach more students in need for years to come. To date, with your help the fund has been growing to just over $20,000 and already granted a few grants including a $1,000 scholarship to a trades student at Gateway College just a few months ago.
Feel free to share these FAQs to help spread the word about the Ocasio Family Fund and its heartwarming mission!
Est. 2022 by Anaika and William Ocasio to give back to their neighborhood and the Latino community.
