The Board and Staff of the van Ameringen Foundation are saddened to announce the passing of our guiding light, former Board President (1991-2014), Henry van Ameringen. For over half a century, Henry was a generous, committed benefactor to hundreds of organizations, particularly those focused on the needs and rights of LGBTQ elders and youth, people with significant and persistent mental illness, and human rights. His critical, succinct and compassionate mind and his open and giving heart inspired so many and sparked innovative change in New York City and across the United States.
Click here to read more about Henry van Ameringen's legacy in the New York Times.
The van Ameringen Foundation funds innovative and practical programs for early intervention, advocacy and increased accessibility of mental health services for people and communities with limited financial means and opportunities.
A Message From the van Ameringen Foundation
Our Response to COVID-19
In mid-March—a time that feels like ages ago, in a world much different than now—the van Ameringen Foundation (“vAF”) expressed its gratitude for the grantees we support, and all they have done to help vulnerable people survive these difficult times. In the months since the COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent shut-down, the Foundation’s grantees have performed heroically, and we continue to deeply admire how organization after organization has continued to work with grace and competence under trying conditions.
In response to these unprecedented times and the many emergency needs that have come our way, the Foundation has suspended its open LOI process for this Fall (November) 2020 Cycle.
Mental health needs will remain a central focus of our grantmaking going forward. However, this extraordinary year has led the Board to be more flexible to meet the heightened needs in the wake of the pandemic. The Foundation’s grantmaking focus for the rest of 2020 will be crisis-related basic needs support and advocacy efforts to ensure racial equity and the protection of those most at risk of COVID-19.
Please continue to visit our Apply for a Grant page for updates about our 2021 grantmaking plans.
With tremendous concern and caring,
Ken Kind, President
Hugh Hogan, Executive Director
On behalf of the van Ameringen Foundation Board of Directors and Staff