Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley

10/12/2026

🎶 “Giving is in our blood.”

For decades, Garry and Diane Kvistad have supported nonprofits that reflect their values of creativity, sustainability, and community well-being.

From building Woodstock Chimes to supporting beloved organizations like Maverick Concerts, music and art have filled their lives.

As we celebrate National Arts & Humanities Month and on October 8, we’re spotlighting Garry and Diane—CFHV fundholders and 2025 Garden Party honorees.

Their funds at CFHV help them continue supporting the causes they care about for years to come.

Read Garry and Diane’s story and learn more about their approach to giving: https://communityfoundationshv.org/donor-stories/garry-and-diane-kvistad-giving-is-in-our-blood/

10/09/2026

October 10 is . When someone is struggling, noticing a change and starting a conversation can matter.

At a panel discussion inspired by our findings, behavioral health leaders emphasized the importance of recognizing warning signs, asking direct and compassionate questions, connecting people with appropriate support, and addressing the stigma that can keep people from seeking help.

The takeaway: building a culture of care means noticing, asking, connecting, and acting.

Read six takeaways from the conversation: https://communityfoundationshv.org/news-publications/news/mental-health-solutions-require-collaboration-community/

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988.

At a recent panel at the Howland Cultural Center in Beacon, attendees met Marcus, a 19-year-old from Philipstown. He played soccer and baseball in high school and was known for being social and outdoorsy. A recent graduate now working part-time in construction, Marcus has been spending more time alo...

10/08/2026

Give. Grow. Grant. 💚

Your generosity has the power to make a lasting difference.

A Donor Advised Fund (DAF) at Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley offers a simple, flexible way to organize your charitable giving, support the causes you care about, and maximize your impact.

Whether you want to support one cause or fifty, a Donor Advised Fund gives you the freedom to make your giving personal and purposeful. Make philanthropy a family tradition and build a legacy of generosity that lasts for generations.

With guidance from our knowledgeable team, we can help you determine your charitable priorities and connect your giving with the causes and communities that matter to you.

Are you ready to give, grow, grant?

📞 Call us at 845-452-3077 – Press 3
✉️ Email [email protected]
🔗 Visit the link in our bio

10/05/2026

🍎 Who was your favorite teacher?

As we honor , we’re celebrating the educators who inspire students, expand opportunities, and strengthen our communities.

The Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley is now accepting 2026 applications for K–12 classroom enrichment, teacher professional development, field trips, and extracurricular activities.

Visit communityfoundationshv.org/grants to review guidelines for:
• Field Trip Grants
• Fund for Excellence in Education Teacher Grants
• Nuvance Health Taconic IPA Science Equipment Teacher Grants
• Kingston City School District Mini Grants

Please share this opportunity with a teacher, school administrator, or educator in your network who may be interested.

10/03/2026

What does it mean to leave a lasting mark?

Join Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley for a special screening of Forever Endeavor, a witty, moving documentary about the lengths people go to in pursuit of an everlasting legacy—and what that pursuit reveals about how we find meaning in our lives.

Following the film, co-director and producer Mary Anne Rothberg will join us for a Q&A, followed by an intimate reception.

📅 Saturday, October 17
🕥 10:30 AM–12:30 PM
📍 Upstate Films Starr Theater, Rhinebeck
🎟️ Free; RSVP required: https://communityfoundationshv.org/events/forever-endeavor-film-screening-reception/

The film brings together an extraordinary range of voices—including author Tom Wolfe, astronaut Jim Lovell, Dr. Henry Heimlich, TCM host Robert Osborne, and others—to explore memory, mortality, achievement, and the universal desire to leave something behind.

Space is limited. Please RSVP by October 5.

10/02/2026

A few more moments from our 30th Garden Party. 💚

For 30 years, this special gathering has brought together community members and leaders to celebrate the people who give back and strengthen the Hudson Valley.

This year, we celebrated remarkable philanthropic honorees:
✨ James Hoover & John Aubry — Ulster County�✨ Jean & Ken Kearney — Putnam County�✨ Daniel & Michelle Lepore — Dutchess County

We continue to turn generosity into meaningful impact, with net proceeds from the Garden Party supporting nonprofits through our Community Grants Program throughout Dutchess, Putnam, and Ulster counties.

These photos capture the generosity, connection, and community spirit that made this milestone celebration so memorable.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, supported the Garden Party, and helped make 30 years of this special tradition possible.

📸Thank you to Al Nowak from On Location Studios and Alejandro Duran Sanchez from Volna Unalign for capturing these special moments!

09/30/2026

Applications for many 2026 grant programs are due October 15!

With support from generous donors, these grants invest in the strength and sustainability of nonprofits working in several sectors:

Animal Welfare 🐶
Cleopatra Fund Grants

Arts & Culture 🎭
Ann and Abe Effron Fund Donor-Advised Grants
Irving and Gloria Schlossberg Family Fund Grants

Human Services, Food Security & Early Childhood 🌱
Jeannette F. Schlobach Fund

Health 🏥
John T. Sloper Community Fund Grants

Learn more and apply: https://communityfoundationshv.org/grants/

09/28/2026

The Nor’easter may have brought strong winds to Sunday’s Garden Party, but it couldn’t dampen the spirit of our community! 💚

A record number of guests braved the windy conditions and gathered at Hutton Brickyards on September 27 to celebrate the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley’s 30th Annual Garden Party. And, as Kevin Quility reminded us during the program, “It never rains on Garden Party!” Thankfully, he was right! ☔️💚

For 30 years, this special gathering has brought together community members and leaders to celebrate the people who give back and strengthen the Hudson Valley.
This year, we were honored to recognize three remarkable philanthropic families whose generosity, leadership, and commitment to their communities continue to make a lasting impact:

✨ James Hoover & John Aubry — Ulster County
✨ Jean & Ken Kearney — Putnam County
✨ Daniel & Michelle Lepore — Dutchess County

Their stories reminded us that giving back isn’t simply about what we have; it’s about what we do with it and how we use it to help others.

Most importantly, the Garden Party is an investment in our community. The support raised through this signature event helps advance philanthropy throughout Dutchess, Putnam, and Ulster counties, helping local nonprofits address critical needs including housing, mental health, childcare, and food security.

Thank you to everyone who braved the weather, celebrated with us, and left with smiles on their faces. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make our 30th Garden Party a celebration to remember.

Here’s to 30 years of generosity, community, and making a difference together across the Hudson Valley! 💚

09/25/2026

It's Hunger Action Month — and you can make a difference right here in the Hudson Valley.

Our Fund for Food Security helps ensure everyone in our region has access to healthy, nutritious meals. The fund supports a range of effective organizations — from those leading regional policy and large-scale distribution, including Second Chance Foods, Inc., People's Place, and Dutchess Outreach , to groups serving specific communities and populations, such as Eden Share, Inc., Fareground, and Caminoalexitopfa. Together, these efforts help lift the entire region.

➡️ Give today and sustain these lifeline programs.
https://cfhvny.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1308

Photo: Second Chance Foods

09/24/2026

🍂 The Garden Party is happening this Sunday! 🍂

We’re looking forward to celebrating 30 years of community impact at CFHV’s Annual Garden Party at Hutton Brickyards!

📅 Sunday, September 27
📍 Hutton Brickyards, Kingston
200 North Street Kingston, NY 12401
⏰ 2:00pm — Refreshments & Mingling
🎉 3:30pm — Program & Honoree Recognition
🌅 5:00pm — Event Concludes

A few things to know before you arrive:
☔ Rain or shine under the covered pavilion
🌸 Festive/Garden Party attire but could be chilly & windy; dress appropriately
🚗 Parking is available in Lot B, with a 3 minute walk to the pavilion
📋 Check in at the registration table when you arrive to collect your name tag

And don’t miss our Giving Moment! Together, we can unlock a $25,000 match and help fund $50,000 more for vital projects across the Hudson Valley.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you! 💚

https://communityfoundationshv.org/events/garden-party-2026/