A major philanthropic merger in the Hudson Valley and Catskills is now official — and supporters say it could reshape how charitable giving works across the region.

The New York State Attorney General has approved the unification of the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan and the Rockland Community Foundation, creating the Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan and Rockland. The merged organization now oversees more than 600 charitable funds and nearly $71 million in assets, supporting nonprofits, scholarships, and community initiatives across all three counties.

For Elizabeth Rowley, president and CEO of the foundation, the merger is about more than scale.

“This really means a stronger, more vibrant community foundation for our region,” Rowley said. “By combining our capacity and expertise, we can better support donors and respond to the needs we’re seeing across our communities.”

What changes — and what doesn’t

Community foundations often do their most important work out of sight: managing investments, ensuring compliance, and handling the administrative backbone of charitable giving. Rowley said bringing those systems together creates efficiencies that benefit both donors and nonprofits.

“There’s real economy of scale,” she said. “Much of the work is back-office administration. By streamlining that, we free up more capacity to focus on impact.”

What remains unchanged, Rowley emphasized, is the foundation’s commitment to local presence and local relationships.

“We’re still showing up,” she said. “At community events, with nonprofits, and in conversations about what really matters in each county.”

A hub for local philanthropy

Rowley describes the foundation as a kind of “turnkey” private foundation for community members who want to give back.

“We help people create scholarship funds or charitable funds that support causes close to their hearts,” she said. “We take care of the administrative side so they can focus on giving, fundraising, and legacy.”

Those funds support a wide range of causes, including education, health, arts and culture, and local journalism. The Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan and Rockland is a financial supporter of Radio Catskill.

Staying rooted in place

The foundation currently has offices in Orange and Sullivan counties, with plans to establish a physical presence in Rockland County.

“These are big counties, and relationships matter,” Rowley said. “Having a physical space gives people a place to come, ask questions, and learn about charitable giving and community needs.”

In Sullivan County, the foundation is housed at the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce, increasing visibility and access.

A first public milestone

Later this month, the foundation will host its 2026 Signature Awards Reception – Rockland Edition, its first public event since the merger.

The event will introduce a newly expanded board of directors, now representing all three counties, and honor community leaders and institutions, including the Ramapo Catskill Library System.

“The library system has been tremendous for our region,” Rowley said. “It’s an honor to recognize that impact.”

Scholarships and giving season ahead

This spring, the foundation will award more than $700,000 in scholarships, with an average award of about $3,000. Many scholarships are multi-year and include support for trade and certificate programs.

Applications are due April 10, and a single streamlined application is available at cfosrny.org.

The foundation is also preparing for Hudson Valley Gives, now in its 11th year, which returns in May.

Filling gaps in uncertain times

As nonprofits face potential state and federal funding cuts, Rowley said community foundations play an increasingly important — if limited — role.

“Philanthropy can’t replace government funding,” she said. “But we can help fill gaps and respond quickly where needs are greatest.”

For Rowley, the merger marks a milestone years in the making.

“It’s exciting,” she said. “The sky’s the limit for what we can do together.”