Dejana Foundation Triples Giving with $26M '26 in 26' Initiative
March 4, 2026 · 2 min read
David Almeida
The Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation announced on March 2 that it will distribute $26 million in grants during 2026 — tripling its $7.9 million in 2025 giving and marking the largest single year in the organization's 16-year history.
A Step-Change in Regional Philanthropy
Foundation director Scott Reich unveiled the "26 in '26" initiative at Port Washington Fire Department headquarters on Long Island, where the Dejana Foundation has deep roots. In 2025, the foundation supported 110 organizations across 131 programs, with $7.2 million directed to Long Island-based initiatives and nearly $4.9 million to the greater Port Washington community.
The 2026 commitment represents more than incremental growth. At $26 million, the foundation enters territory occupied by mid-size community foundations — a significant shift for an organization that began as a family philanthropy focused on its home region.
Where the Money Goes
The $26 million will fund five focus areas: community development and civic initiatives, pediatric healthcare and medical research, veteran services, animal welfare organizations, and regional and national nonprofit programs.
The foundation's track record in these areas is substantial. Its partnership with Make-A-Wish Metro New York helped grant 927 wishes to children with critical illnesses across the five boroughs and Long Island. Support for the Marty Lyons Foundation expanded reach to families of children facing life-threatening conditions. A $1 million commitment to Port Washington Fire Department is funding construction of a new fire training center.
Why Nonprofits Should Watch This Space
Founded in 2010 by the late Peter Dejana, who passed away in 2024, the foundation is also establishing permanent headquarters on Shore Road in Baxter Estates — a move that signals this elevated giving level is intended to be sustained rather than a one-time memorial spike.
For nonprofits in healthcare, veteran services, and animal welfare — particularly those operating in the New York metro area — this is one of the most significant regional foundation expansions of the year. Grant seekers can track foundation giving trends and identify matching opportunities on Granted.