Dejana Foundation Triples Giving to $26M with '26 in 26' Initiative
March 3, 2026 · 2 min read
Jared Klein
A Long Island foundation that quietly distributed $7.9 million last year just announced it will more than triple that figure in 2026.
The Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation unveiled its "26 in '26" initiative at a kickoff event at the Port Washington Fire Department headquarters on March 2, pledging over $26 million in grants for the year. It marks the largest single year of philanthropy in the organization's 16-year history.
From $7.9 Million to $26 Million
In 2025, the foundation supported 110 organizations and 131 programs, committing nearly $7.9 million — with over $7.2 million directed to Long Island-based initiatives and roughly $4.9 million to the greater Port Washington area. The 2026 pledge represents a 229 percent increase.
Scott Reich, the foundation's director, struck a deliberate tone at the announcement. "Philanthropy at its best is not about headlines," Reich said. "It's about continuity."
The foundation was established in 2010 by the late Peter Dejana, who built Dejana Industries into one of the Northeast's largest truck equipment companies before his death in 2024. The rapid acceleration of giving reflects the family's commitment to honoring his legacy at scale.
Where the Money Will Go
The $26 million will flow across five focus areas: community development and civic initiatives, pediatric health care and medical research, veteran services, animal welfare organizations, and regional and national nonprofit programs.
Among the organizations already named in the initiative are Make-A-Wish Metro New York, which granted 927 wishes in 2025, and the Marty Lyons Foundation. The Port Washington Fire Department itself will receive equipment upgrades and $1 million toward a new training center.
What Nonprofits Should Watch For
While the foundation has not published a formal application process or public RFP for 2026 grants, the dramatic expansion of its giving — from 110 organizations to what could be significantly more — signals that nonprofits working in pediatric health, veteran services, and community development in the New York metro area should be monitoring the Dejana Foundation for opportunities. In-depth coverage of foundation funding trends and strategies is available on the Granted blog.