Meet the Nonprofits

MEET THE NONPROFITS

Highwind Impact Fund has supported nonprofits across the nation serving a wide variety of causes in their local communities.

2026 Recipients

Strongwater Farm

Provides equine-assisted therapies and activities for children and adults facing physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral challenges

The Dignity Institute

Connects underserved youth to college, career, and entrepreneurship by building life skills through the urban arts

The Welcome Project

Builds the collective power of immigrants in greater Boston through youth leadership, language access, and community programs

RyzAb0ve Fitness

Provides group exercise classes, day camps, and social opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Bounce Children’s Foundation

Supports chronically ill children and their families with programs that restore normalcy, connection, and joy

Chicago Shares

Distributes meal and grocery vouchers redeemable at local stores, offering a dignified way to support neighbors experiencing homelessness

KT’s Kids

Provides sports, recreation, and community events for children with disabilities from under-resourced Chicago communities

Market Box

Delivers free groceries and fresh produce from local farms to households on Chicago’s South Side

Safe Humane

Connects abused or neglected shelter dogs with youth and adults impacted by violence, poverty, or trauma to help and support each other

The Care Partner Project

Equips family caregivers with patient-safety checklists and advocacy support to help loved ones navigate hospital care safely

United Colors of Pink

Provides support, resources, and community for women impacted by breast cancer, with deep roots in Chicago’s Polish American community

Wood St. Collective

Builds urban green spaces and food access on Chicago’s South Side through an Englewood urban farm and environmental programming

Youth for a Better Future

Provides STEAM education, after-school study hall, and recreational programming for at-risk Chicago youth from age 7 through high school

Dress for Success Dallas

Empowers women to achieve economic independence with professional attire, career development programs, and a network of support

Helms Hope

Fights skin cancer through awareness, prevention, and early-detection initiatives, including free public sunscreen access

Birthday Bash Box

Gifts children in under-resourced Houston families a literacy and social-emotional learning experience through personalized birthday celebrations

Golden Butterfly Bakers

Prepares thousands of made-from-scratch baked goods weekly for Houston organizations serving homeless, recovery, and youth rescue communities

Houston Ground Angels

Provides free ground transportation for patients and caregivers traveling to Houston medical facilities for treatment

KEEN LA

Provides free, non-competitive sports and recreation programs for young people with disabilities, supported by volunteer coaches

Nourish LA

Distributes free groceries and fresh produce to Los Angeles families weekly while reducing food waste through recovery partnerships

Rover’s Retreat

Rescues at-risk dogs through a foster-driven model, providing comprehensive medical and behavioral care and adoption placement

Project Transforming Hope

Runs an eight-month academic enrichment and mentorship fellowship for lower-income African American youth in grades 7–12 across greater Miami

Milwaukee Youth Sports Alliance

Expands access to youth sports across Milwaukee by equipping volunteer coaches and supporting citywide programming

Children’s Emergency Care Alliance of Tennessee

Unites physicians, EMS providers, and hospitals to advance comprehensive pediatric emergency care, rehabilitation, and prevention across Tennessee

Shower the People

Provides mobile showers, hygiene supplies, and a community closet for neighbors experiencing homelessness

Camp Brooklyn

Sends children from under-resourced Brooklyn families to sleepaway summer camp at no cost, building confidence and independence

Culikid

Offers adaptive cooking and nutrition programs that build independence and life skills for neurodiverse youth and young adults

Fairy Godmother Foundation

Grants customized dream experiences that improve quality of life for children and young adults living with complex medical and developmental needs

Oko Farms

Operates Brooklyn aquaponics farms that raise fish and produce while teaching sustainable farming and water stewardship

PeacePlayers Brooklyn

Uses basketball to unite young people across Brooklyn communities while developing leadership and bridging divides

Projekt NYC

Empowers NYC middle and high school students through community service, creative expression, and civic engagement programs

Brooklyn Debate League

Makes competitive debate accessible to Brooklyn public school students through coaching, school partnerships, and tournaments

One Brooklyn Health

Serves central and eastern Brooklyn through hospitals, community clinics, and school-based health outreach programs

Pockets Change

Builds multigenerational financial well-being with youth, families, and educators through Hip Hop pedagogy

The Uniform Funding Foundation

Provides uniforms, equipment, and mentorship to underserved youth athletes to ensure equal access to sports

Cientifico Latino

Supports first-generation and underrepresented students pursuing science careers through mentorship, fellowships, and application resources

Friendships for Life New York

Combats elder isolation through volunteer visiting programs that bring companionship and connection to older New Yorkers

Iconic Sports Lab

Builds confident, resilient youth leaders across NYC through structured sports programming, mentorship, and education

Moms for Moms

Provides postpartum and newborn essentials to single mothers in crisis, now expanding into scholarships and workforce re-entry support

New York Artists Equity Association

Longstanding artists’ association supporting emerging and working artists through exhibitions, advocacy, and patron partnerships

Ansonia Music Outreach

Brings free classical chamber music to low-income, underserved, and homebound audiences across New York City, with a focus on seniors

Food with Fam

Fights food insecurity by distributing groceries and fresh produce to families in the Bronx

I Challenge Myself

Builds fitness, confidence, and college readiness for NYC public high school students through cycling and endurance sports

Ice Hockey in Harlem

Combines ice hockey with academic enrichment to help Harlem youth build skills on and off the ice

Social Creatures

Advances social health through research-driven programs, including SitGrit, a free seated fitness program co-designed with wheelchair users

The Unscripted Project

Brings improv classes to public schools, building students’ confidence, communication, and creative thinking

Uptown Literacy Lights

Helps children in underserved NYC communities read at grade level by the end of second grade through literacy sites and family resources

Welcome Home Jersey City

Helps refugees and asylees build new lives through home furnishings, ESL classes, youth programs, and community support

Access Books

Revitalizes underfunded K–8 school libraries across the Bay Area with culturally relevant books and refurbished library spaces

Camp Phoenix

Runs a free weeklong summer sleepaway camp and year-round outdoor field trips that build confidence and belonging for Bay Area youth

City Grazing

Provides sustainable land management and fire-fuel reduction through goat grazing while offering community education and goat encounters

Haight Ashbury Food Pantry

Provides free groceries and fresh food each week to San Francisco neighbors facing food insecurity

Both Sides of the Conversation

Empowers Black and Brown communities through dialogue, digital media, and basketball-based mentorship for justice-involved youth

Drawbridge

Brings expressive arts programs and art therapy to children experiencing homelessness at Bay Area shelter sites

HomeMore Project

Supports San Franciscans experiencing homelessness with essential resources, including its Makeshift Traveler backpacks of supplies and technology

Zen Caregiving Project

Trains volunteer and family caregivers in mindfulness-based, compassionate care for people facing serious illness

2025 Recipients

A Fair Shake for Youth

New York nonprofit helping underserved middle school students build empathy, self‑esteem, and resilience through structured 10‑week therapy dog programs

ABC Pilsen

Chicago nonprofit strengthening community and reducing violence among underserved Pilsen youth through academic support, basketball programming, and mentorship

Achilles International

Houston nonprofit empowering athletes with disabilities through inclusive running groups, volunteer guides, training, and races that build confidence and independence

Adelante Student Voices

New York nonprofit supporting undocumented students with college access, scholarships, legal information, and mentorship to pursue higher education with confidence

Avengers

Houston nonprofit mentoring youth through education, entrepreneurship, sports, and life‑skills training to build leadership, financial literacy, and community engagement

Boots To Books

San Francisco nonprofit helping veterans, military families, and students transition to careers through mentorship, scholarships, job coaching, and employer partnerships

Boston Bulldogs Running Club

Boston nonprofit supporting recovery and wellness through a running community offering coached runs, mindfulness, outreach, and peer support

Brooklyn Rescue Mission

New York nonprofit strengthening food security and community health with urban farming, food distribution, youth development, and neighborhood leadership programs

Camp Kids Are Kids

Chicago nonprofit hosting free medically supported camps and activities for children with cancer, building independence, confidence, friendships, and joyful memories

Challenge Air

Dallas nonprofit inspiring youth with disabilities through aviation days, motivational flights, STEM exposure, and mentorship that build confidence and inclusion

Elevate New York

New York nonprofit building long‑term student relationships through daily classes, mentoring, adventure activities, and college‑to‑career support

Flossy

New York nonprofit closing advocacy gaps with civic education, role‑model training, and grassroots mobilization empowering neighbors to win community improvements

Fortitude Careers

San Francisco nonprofit delivering paid, industry‑informed training and mentorship for underestimated young adults, connecting talent to sustainable careers

Freewheels

Houston nonprofit collecting, repairing, and donating bicycles to refugees, veterans, and students, providing safe mobility for work, school, and healthcare

HELP

Austin nonprofit providing equine‑assisted programs that help people with disabilities build confidence, independence, and life skills through therapeutic riding

HorseLink

Austin nonprofit offering equine‑assisted programs that help people heal from trauma, reduce stress, and build resilience through horse‑human connection

Inner City Green Team

New York nonprofit advancing recycling and green jobs by engaging canners, delivering environmental education, and creating dignity‑centered, community‑driven initiatives

Inspiring Girls USA

New York nonprofit connecting girls with diverse role models through in‑school and online programs expanding aspirations, confidence, and career awareness

Instrumental Impact

Charlotte nonprofit empowering students through music education, instrument access, and mentorship that foster creativity, discipline, teamwork, and lifelong engagement

KEEN Chicago

Chicago nonprofit providing free one‑to‑one recreational programs for youth with disabilities, promoting movement, confidence, inclusion, and joyful community connection

KEEN San Francisco

San Francisco nonprofit offering free one‑to‑one sports and recreation for youth with disabilities, promoting inclusion, confidence, health, and joyful community

Kids Clothes Club

Boston nonprofit providing essential clothing and winter coats to children so students feel confident, warm, and ready to learn

L.A. Love & Leashes

Los Angeles nonprofit increasing city shelter adoptions by showcasing pets, engaging volunteers, and funding care that helps healthy, adoptable animals

Maysles Documentary Center

Harlem nonprofit documentary center offering screenings, education, and youth filmmaking that amplify underrepresented voices and celebrate community history

Meals for Unity

New York nonprofit combating food insecurity with culturally appropriate meals, volunteer partnerships, and community events uplifting AAPI and vulnerable neighbors

Moms for Moms

New York nonprofit equipping single mothers with postpartum and newborn essentials to ease financial stress and promote dignity

Mosaic Journalism

San Francisco nonprofit training teens in reporting, photography, and editing through an immersive newsroom boot camp publishing youth stories

Musical Mentors Collaborative

New York nonprofit pairing university and professional musicians with students for free lessons and mentorship expanding access, creativity, and confidence

New York Therapy Animals

New York nonprofit preparing registered therapy animal teams for school, library, and healthcare visits supporting literacy, comfort, and well‑being

Pathway for Immigrant Workers

Boston nonprofit providing pro bono assistance for employment‑based green cards, stabilizing families and strengthening the regional workforce through equitable pathways

Power of People

Chicago nonprofit advancing community revitalization through renewable energy projects, urban farming, pre‑electrical training, mentorship, and economic empowerment initiatives

Run4Fun

New York nonprofit promoting youth mental health through running‑based, trauma‑informed school programs building resilience, confidence, leadership, and lifelong habits

Safe Humane

Chicago nonprofit creating safer communities by fostering positive human‑animal relationships through humane education, advocacy, and court case dog programs

Sibling Connections

Boston nonprofit reuniting siblings separated by foster care through camps, retreats, and year‑round events that strengthen family bonds and belonging

SitStayRead

Chicago nonprofit boosting early literacy by bringing trained dogs and volunteers into classrooms to make reading engaging and strengthen confidence

St. Joe’s Soup Kitchen

New York all‑volunteer program serving hot, nutritious Saturday meals and connecting guests with dignity, community, and supportive resources

The Book Truck

Los Angeles nonprofit improving teen literacy by giving free high‑interest books and guidance at schools and community events

The Breakfast Project

San Francisco nonprofit integrating hands‑on cooking and garden learning at an elementary school to strengthen nutrition knowledge and community

The MeWater Foundation

San Francisco nonprofit supporting youth through surf camps and outdoor experiences led by mental health professionals building resilience and leadership

The ReCARES Network

Bay Area nonprofit collecting and redistributing gently used medical equipment and supplies, promoting reuse, affordability, independence, and environmental stewardship

Uptown Soccer

New York nonprofit offering affordable, community‑rooted soccer programs in Northern Manhattan and the Bronx, prioritizing inclusion, development, teamwork, and joy

Vision for Chicago

Chicago nonprofit providing eye screenings, exams, and glasses for people recently released or paroled to improve health and opportunity

2024 Recipients

African American Shakespeare Company

San Francisco nonprofit expanding access to classical theater by artists of color through productions and education, including a new 3D set for Cinderella to enrich audience experience and training

Cambio Labs

New York nonprofit turning students into mission-driven founders with social-entrepreneurship curricula, now adding an AI module and chatbot to deepen hands-on learning

ChemoCars

Charlotte nonprofit providing free, reliable rides to cancer treatments, covering core call-center operations so more patients can reach lifesaving care

Chi-Care

Chicago nonprofit serving people experiencing homelessness with hot meals, water, and essentials, including transportation to medical and dental care

Chicago Baseball and Education Academy

Chicago nonprofit delivering high-quality baseball/softball training and mentorship for youth, expanding girls’ softball programming and access

Children’s Book Project

San Francisco nonprofit boosting literacy by giving free books and read-alouds to kids of all ages and levels, strengthening its Read Aloud and Storytime programs

Dare2B

New York nonprofit empowering children ages 4–19 with academic, personal, and professional skill-building, extending curriculum-based services across additional NYC public schools

Dentist on Wheels

San Francisco Bay Area nonprofit delivering essential dental care to underserved neighbors, adding a dedicated dental assistant to expand appointments and continuity of care

EveryMom

Chicago nonprofit equipping mothers and families with newborn, postpartum, and nursing essentials, scaling assembly and distribution of comprehensive care kits

Good Local Markets

Dallas nonprofit strengthening community health and local economies by connecting farmers and families at markets, increasing WIC/FMNP outreach to grow access to fresh food

Gotham Food Pantry

New York nonprofit rescuing food to nourish public-housing communities, renting additional truck capacity to move more meals from donors to partners

Grandma’s Love

New York nonprofit advancing literacy and family engagement in underserved schools and neighborhoods, adding a new book vending machine to spark reading excitement for kids

Latino STEM Alliance (LSA)

Boston nonprofit inspiring underrepresented students to pursue STEM through hands-on learning and mentorship, expanding early-learning programs for K–3

Rebuilding Together Boston

Boston nonprofit providing zero-cost home repairs that improve safety and energy efficiency for low-income residents, assembling and distributing “Safe at Home” kits

Rise First

New York nonprofit elevating first-generation, low-income high-school and college students with mentoring and resources, launching a paid internship track designed for FGLI talent

Seeds in the Middle

New York nonprofit mobilizing schools and communities to overcome health and education disparities with hands-on food education, cooking classes, and grocery support for after-school programs

Silver Lining Mentoring

Boston nonprofit helping youth in foster care thrive through long-term mentoring and life-skills development, funding the Learn & Earn curriculum

SkiDUCK

San Francisco nonprofit opening mountain sports to under-resourced youth, providing charter bus transportation for safe access to ski and snowboard days

So Kids SOAR

Washington, D.C. nonprofit empowering youth with disabilities through adaptive sports and skills programs, supporting a summer water-sports clinic and “Your Path to Success” vocational pathway

Sustainable Nutrition and Community Connection (SNACC)

New York nonprofit advancing sustainable health through school-based food education, establishing cooking classes that build lifelong nutrition habits

Texas Hands and Voices

Austin nonprofit supporting families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing from birth to 21, hosting a Panhandle Parents’ Night Out and connecting parents to vital resources

The Love Fridge

Chicago mutual-aid nonprofit operating community-run free-food fridges citywide, converting its Little Village flagship refrigerator to solar power to improve reliability and equity

The New Garden Society

Boston nonprofit transforming carceral and reentry spaces with therapeutic, job-training gardens, launching a program at New Beginnings Reentry House for women

Chicago nonprofit improving menstrual equity by distributing pads, tampons, and reusable products to shelters, schools, and food banks, funding expanded product purchases for low-income and unhoused neighbors

2023 Recipients

Adaptive Sports

Massachusetts nonprofit dedicated to increasing participation in sports among New England youth and adults with visual or mobility impairments

Advocates For Immigrant Survivors

Boston nonprofit focused on addressing challenges faced by survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking within immigrant communities by providing legal and support services

Bring Change to Mind

San Francisco nonprofit dedicated to encouraging dialogue around mental health to raise greater awareness, understanding, and empathy for the topic in high schools

Climate Finance Action

Boston nonprofit that promotes investments in a sustainable future by
pushing ESG policies to key stakeholders in pensions,
funds, etc.

Collective Chicago

Chicago nonprofit provides transitional housing space and mentorship programming for young men in Uptown area

Devices 4 the Disabled

Chicago nonprofit that collects, refurbishes, and redistributes used Durable Medical Equipment

EPOG Academy

Houston nonprofit that aims to inspire and equip high school students to realize their potential through personal development with 1:1 virtual coaching sessions with trained professionals

First Tech Fund

New York nonprofit that provides free laptops and broadband access,
mentorship, digital skills training, and insight into career pathways to levelize the academic playing field

Jazz Hands for Autism

Los Angeles nonprofit that provides music education, job training, and
person-centered support for individuals with autism spectrum disorder

KEEN New York

New York nonprofit that provides recreational and fitness activities for youths with disabilities, both physical and cognitive, ages 5-21

Learning Edge

Chicago nonprofit that provides free, 1:1 tutoring and academic enrichment opportunities for students in Chicago’s Austin
neighborhood

Massachusetts Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence

Boston nonprofit that brings together impacted communities, advocates, public health experts, and policy-makers to prevent
gun violence in all forms

Music in Schools Today

San Francisco nonprofit that develops and delivers music education programs to increase student academic achievement and emotional
well-being

Octavia Project

New York nonprofit that uses speculative fiction as a lens to introduce STEM subjects to non-binary and female youth; blends creative writing, art, science, and technology, to teach new skills and foster leadership

Plan 4 Success

Chicago nonprofit that provides educational, social, and cultural experiences for young adults in Chicago through workshops and conference events on life skills and career development

The Original Scraper Bike Team

Oakland nonprofit that combines STEM and the arts in a clever mix of
mechanics and design to help students design their
own scraper bikes in after-school programs

Swim Strong Foundation

New York nonprofit that provides low cost and free swimming lessons to underserved communities and provides “Know Before You Go” water safety education programs

2022 Recipients

Access Books Bay Area

San Francisco-based nonprofit working to level the literacy playing field by providing high-interest, culturally-relevant books and transformed library spaces to encourage students to read

Credit Abuse Resistance Education (CARE)

Chicago-based nonprofit focused on preparing high school and college students to manage their personal finances and responsibly use credit and other financial services

Culinary Care

Chicago-based nonprofit helping cancer patients live happier and healthier lives through good food and human connection

Dancing While Cancering

Chicago-based nonprofit dedicated to bringing joy to the impatient hospital experience for children with cancer

DiscoverU

Houston-based nonprofit providing high-quality, out-of-school learning experiences for underprivileged students to become more competitive in college application cycles and to expand their horizons

English At Large

Boston-based nonprofit providing English language and cultural instruction through a volunteer network to adult immigrants and other newcomers who do not speak English as their first language

The GardenWorks Project

Chicago-based nonprofit promoting organic suburban agriculture to improve the well-being of the Chicago community, the environment, and those facing food insecurity

Houston Welcomes Refugees

Houston-based nonprofit focused on easing the resettlement process of refugees by providing starting essentials and by mobilizing partner families

LAAL

New York-based nonprofit providing resources and support to Bengali /; South Asian women in the Norwood area of the Bronx who have been historically marginalized and victims of domestic abuse

Oakland Genesis

Oakland-based nonprofit using soccer as a tool to empower, educate, and inspire Oakland’s youth by delivering cost-free youth development programming to underserved communities

Precita Eyes Muralists

San Francisco-based nonprofit devoted to enriching and beautifying urban environments through community mural and mosaic collaborations

Urban Outreach Center

New York-based nonprofit working to end the hunger gap in East Harlem and the Upper East Side by providing meals and ancillary services to community members

Interested in joining Highwind Impact Fund?
Email highwindimpact@gmail.com for additional information.