Annual Appeal

Columbia Community Service Grants Over $200K to Local Organizations

By
Bashar Makhay
June 15, 2020
a collage of photos of people smiling.

Each year, through the Annual Appeal, Columbia Community Service (CCS) raises funds from employees and retirees of Columbia University, Barnard College and Teachers College. One hundred percent of the donations received are used to fund grants for nonprofit institutions experienced in building sustainable programs. In its 73rd year, the CCS Annual Appeal brought in enough money to grant $217,000 to 50 organizations in Harlem and Morningside Heights. Six of the organizations were first-time grant recipients (Bloomingdale Family Program, Broadway Housing Communities, Courtney's Stars of Tomorrow, Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Harlem4Kids, The Meeting House) with missions that are centered on enriching the lives of young children and adults. 

The increased demand for nonprofit services created by the COVID-19 pandemic made it a difficult decision for CCS to determine which organizations would receive funding. This year’s round of awardees demonstrated an impressive ability to adapt during the pandemic. One CCS grantee, Triple F Empowerment, whose mission is to inspire, empower and encourage the young people of Harlem to pursue education and careers in the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) fields, sprang into action and offered Saturday Science classes on Facebook. 

A full list of the grantees can be found on the CCS Grantees page. Listed below are a few examples of the impact that donations to the Annual Appeal have had.

  • $54,800 in grants were made to organizations, such as NY Common Pantry, Riverside Language and West Side Campaign Against Hunger, that work tirelessly to provide food relief and emergency services.
  • $22,200 in grants will help organizations, such as Arts and Minds, Lifeforce In Later Years, and Service Program for Older People, that provide services for older adults.
  • $24,300 in grants supported arts and cultural organizations such as Harlem Stage, Harlem School of the Arts, and SoHarlem.
  • $16,900 went to advocacy organizations focused on health and housing, such as like P.A.’L.A.N.T.E. Harlem, Broadway Housing Community and the Harlem Wellness Center.
  • $98,800 in grants were made to youth-serving organizations, such as Top Honors, Harlem Academy, Legal Outreach and SNACK, to support their after school, daycare and summer programs.

While the 73rd Annual Appeal has ended, CCS continues to fundraise with the CCS Food Relief Project to address the impact of COVID-19 on our food insecure neighbors. The project supports emergency food relief programs in Harlem and Morningside Heights as part of the Columbia Neighbors Food Relief Fund. The Food Relief Project is separate from the CCS Annual Appeal, which will relaunch for its 74th year this fall.