New Yorkers For Children (NYFC) announced eight organizations selected to join the 2026–2027 Community Catalyst Fund cohort, a two-year initiative designed to strengthen grassroots organizations working with children, youth, and families impacted by New York City’s child welfare system. Hearts to Homes is thrilled to be named as one of those eight organizations.
The Community Catalyst Fund is supported by a five-year, $4 million investment from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, advancing NYFC’s work to strengthen New York City’s child welfare ecosystem by investing in mid-stage organizations with strong community ties and bold visions for change.
The 2026-2027 cohort includes:
- The Circle Keepers
- DelgraciaCorp
- Dear Black Girl
- Hearts to Homes Furnishings
- Inspiring Futures
- Justice for Families
- Neighborhood Benches
- The Possibility Project
“These organizations reflect the leadership, creativity, and expertise that drive meaningful change in child welfare,” said Alan Yu, Executive Director of New Yorkers For Children. “Through the Community Catalyst Fund, we have paired unrestricted funding with practical supports that help leaders strengthen their organizations to ensure that they can better serve children and families across New York City.”
“Young people impacted by foster care need better support networks and resources to help guide them reach their full potential,” said Angelina Soll, Program Officer, Foster Youth at the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.We’re proud to partner with New Yorkers For Children to strengthen grassroots organizations helping youth grow, learn and find a sense of belonging and autonomy.”
Each member of the cohort will receive a total investment of $150,000 over two years ($75,000 per year), along with customized technical assistance, peer learning opportunities, and organizational capacity-building support. Together, these resources are intended to help participating organizations strengthen internal systems, respond to community needs, and position themselves for continued growth beyond the grant period.
Beyond financial support, cohort members will participate in a structured learning community emphasizing peer exchange, individualized coaching, and responsive technical assistance. The program focuses on strengthening internal infrastructure—such as board governance, fundraising, communications, and leadership coaching—so organizations are positioned to sustain and scale their work long after the grant period ends.
“Participating in the Community Catalyst Fund will significantly benefit Hearts to Homes”, commented Mary Theresa McCombe, Executive Director of Hearts to Homes Furnishings. “We are proud of our progress in supporting aging-out foster care youth but recognize there is so much more to be done. Collaborating with the other participating organizations will help us address critical needs more effectively and foster meaningful growth for young people transitioning to complete independence. We thank NYFC and the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation for taking leadership in making this investment in our ability to serve our community more effectively.”
The Community Catalyst Fund builds on NYFC’s three decades of experience providing direct support to young people while also piloting and scaling innovative approaches that strengthen the broader ecosystem. By centering flexible funding, peer learning, and capacity-building supports, the fund amplifies the work of local leaders who are deeply rooted in their communities and bring culturally grounded perspectives to their work. Through this cohort, New Yorkers For Children continues to advance a future in which every young person impacted by the child welfare system has access to the resources, relationships, and opportunities they need to thrive.