Bethpage FCU provides $10K grants to three Long Island nonprofits
Bethpage Federal Credit Union, a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (FHLBNY), has helped to facilitate grants in the amount of $10,000 each to three Long Island nonprofits under the 2023 Small Business Recovery Grant (SBRG) Program.
Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, an Islandia-based nonprofit that uses horseback riding to help facilitate growth, learning and healing for individuals with disabilities and other vulnerable populations, plans to use their grant to increase and support staff hiring and retention. “Operating a 13-acre, 20-stall horse farm is no easy task,” Lisa Gatti, founder and CEO of Pal-O-Mine, said in a written statement. “We are so grateful to Bethpage for their generosity and ongoing support in selecting us for this grant.”
Another organization that has been awarded a grant is the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the nautical heritage of Fire Island and Long Island through education and capital improvements to the Fire Island lighthouse, keeper’s quarters and visitor center. The grant will support their community programs, which include tours, workshops, and other educational programs.
“Thousands of guests visit throughout the year to experience the 182-step tour to our gorgeous panoramic view and learn more about the life of a lighthouse keeper and the rigorous demands of preserving the lighthouse,” Tony Femminella, executive director of the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society, said in the statement. “Bethpage has been an amazing supporter and partner for us, helping to ensure the Fire Island Lighthouse remains an integral part of the nautical heritage of Fire Island and Long Island for years to come.”
Ladles of Hope, a nonprofit from Seaford, has also received a grant. The 100% volunteer-based group operates soup kitchens and pantries across Nassau County, offering to-go lunches and clothing for those in need.
“This grant will allow us to open two new food pantries to help feed our neighbors in need and provide supplies to help them get back on their feet,” Fran Hanly, secretary for Ladles Of Hope, said in the statement. “We thank Bethpage for selecting us to receive this grant and appreciate all they do to support us on a regular basis.”
The SBRG program was created to help support the financial security and health of organizations that have faced economic challenges due to inflation, the interest rate environment, supply-chain constraints, and/or rising energy costs. Through the program, the FHLBNY has awarded $5 million in grants to over 100 members, helping small businesses and nonprofits throughout New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Bethpage selected the three nonprofit organizations and applied for the grant on their behalf.
“We are so thankful for the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York’s (FHLBNY) Small Business Recovery Grant (SBRG) Program that has allowed us to provide these grants to our community not-for-profit organizations,” Brian Bugge, senior vice president of accounting and finance at Bethpage Federal Credit Union, said in the statement. “Pal-O-Mine, the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society, and Ladles of Hope are all shining stars within Bethpage Federal Credit Union’s existing nonprofit partner network, and all worthy of being recognized as organizations whose great work has an enormous impact on the communities we serve.”
Click here for more information about the SBRG program.
