Thomas And Agnes Carvel Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $3,358,130 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly available
• Grant Range: Average grant $19,871 (based on 169 awards in 2023)
• Geographic Focus: New York City metropolitan area, with emphasis on Essex County, NJ, and Westchester County, NY
• Assets: $49.18 million (2024)

Contact Details

Address: 35 E Grassy Sprain Road, Yonkers, NY 10710

Phone: 914-793-7300

EIN: 13-2879673

Note: The foundation does not appear to maintain a public website or email contact.

Overview

The Thomas and Agnes Carvel Foundation was established in 1976 by Thomas and Agnes Carvel, founders of the iconic Carvel ice cream brand. With assets of approximately $49.18 million and annual giving of over $3.3 million, the foundation has maintained a consistent commitment to supporting organizations in the New York metropolitan area for nearly five decades. The foundation awarded 169 grants in 2023 and focuses its resources on healthcare facilities (particularly those serving children and young adults with disabilities), performing arts organizations, higher education institutions, and youth and family services. Under the leadership of President Peter Smith and a dedicated board, the foundation has developed long-term relationships with many grantees, providing multi-year support to organizations serving vulnerable populations in Westchester County, NY, and Essex County, NJ.

Funding Priorities

Priority Areas

Healthcare and Medical Facilities

• Hospitals and children's hospitals
• Facilities serving children and young adults with complex medical conditions and disabilities
• Medical rehabilitation centers
• Specialized therapy programs (e.g., neurologic music therapy)

Arts and Culture

• Performing arts organizations
• Music programs and orchestras
• Community-based arts initiatives

Education

• Higher education institutions
• Student emergency funds and support services
• Educational programs for students with disabilities
• STEM education programs

Human Services

• Programs serving children, youth, and families
• Services supporting people with disabilities to live independently
• Social service organizations addressing community needs
• Youth development programs

Geographic Focus

The foundation primarily supports nonprofit organizations in:

• Westchester County, NY (particularly Yonkers and surrounding areas)
• Essex County, NJ
• Greater New York City metropolitan area

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly documented, but the foundation's grant history shows a clear geographic limitation to the New York metropolitan area with particular emphasis on Westchester and Essex counties.

Governance and Leadership

Board Members and Officers (2024):

• Peter Smith - President (Former President as of recent filings; compensation: $85,054)
• Joan Magoolaghan - Interim President/Vice President (compensation: $49,782)
• Karen Springfield - Secretary (compensation: $68,000)
• Marie Holcombe - Treasurer
• Daniel H. Harris - Director
• Nicola Lee - Director
• Richard Hans - Director

The foundation maintains a small, professional staff structure that allows for focused grant-making within their priority areas. Peter Smith has been thanked publicly by grantees such as the Yonkers Philharmonic Orchestra for the foundation's consistent support of community arts and cultural programs.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation accepts applications submitted by letter, supported by a budget for the expenditure of the requested grant. The foundation does not maintain a public website or online application portal.

Application Address: Thomas and Agnes Carvel Foundation 35 E Grassy Sprain Road Yonkers, NY 10710

Phone: 914-793-7300

Based on the foundation's grant-making patterns, they appear to accept unsolicited applications from organizations within their geographic focus area, though specific application deadlines or cycles are not publicly documented.

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not publicly documented. Organizations should expect to allow sufficient time for review given the foundation's relatively small staff structure.

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly available. In 2023, the foundation made 169 awards from total giving of $3,358,130, suggesting they support a substantial number of organizations annually.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policies are not publicly documented. However, the foundation's grant history shows evidence of multi-year support to organizations, suggesting that previously funded organizations may reapply and receive renewed support.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's documented grant-making patterns, organizations can strengthen their applications by:

Geographic Alignment: Ensure your organization serves Westchester County, NY, or Essex County, NJ, as the foundation shows strong preference for local organizations in these areas. Yonkers-based organizations appear particularly well-represented among grantees.

Mission Alignment with Founder Values: The Carvel Foundation shows particular interest in organizations serving children and young adults with disabilities and complex medical needs. For example, they provided $250,000 to Elizabeth Seton Children's to build "the nation's first skilled nursing facility for young adults with severe and complex medical conditions."

Long-term Community Impact: The foundation supports established organizations with demonstrated track records. Recent grantees include Burke Rehabilitation (received renewed $50,000 grant for Neurologic Music Therapy Program), Mercy College (received $35,000 for Student Emergency Fund, part of $100,000 lifetime support), and Westchester Disabled on the Move (received multiple grants including $15,000 for programs helping people with disabilities live independently).

Clear Budget and Specific Use of Funds: Applications should include a detailed budget showing exactly how grant funds will be used. The foundation's application guidelines specifically request "a budget for expenditure of the requested grant."

Reasonable Grant Amounts: With an average grant size of approximately $19,871 and total annual giving around $3.3 million spread across 169 grants, organizations should generally request amounts in the $15,000-$50,000 range, though larger grants (such as the $250,000 to Elizabeth Seton Children's) are awarded for significant capital or program initiatives.

Focus on Vulnerable Populations: Organizations serving children, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations appear to receive priority consideration, particularly when providing healthcare, education, or services that enable independent living.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic focus is critical: The foundation strongly prioritizes Westchester County, NY (especially Yonkers), and Essex County, NJ. Organizations outside this area are unlikely to be funded.

• Multi-year partnerships are common: The foundation shows evidence of supporting organizations over multiple years, suggesting that initial grants can lead to ongoing relationships.

• Disability services are a priority: Organizations serving children and young adults with disabilities, complex medical needs, or developmental challenges align particularly well with the foundation's interests.

• Average grants around $20,000: While grants range from smaller amounts to $250,000 for capital projects, most grants cluster around the $19,871 average. Budget requests accordingly.

• Simple letter application: The foundation uses a straightforward application process via letter and budget—no complex online portals or lengthy forms.

• Healthcare and education emphasis: Hospitals, rehabilitation centers, higher education institutions, and student support programs receive substantial funding.

• Community arts support: The foundation consistently supports performing arts organizations like the Yonkers Philharmonic Orchestra, demonstrating commitment to cultural vitality in their geographic area.

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: Thomas and Agnes Carvel Foundation (EIN 13-2879673). https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/132879673 (Accessed January 2026)

• Instrumentl 990 Report: Thomas And Agnes Carvel Foundation. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/thomas-and-agnes-carvel-foundation (Accessed January 2026)

• Cause IQ: Thomas and Agnes Carvel Foundation, Yonkers, NY. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/thomas-and-agnes-carvel-foundation,132879673/ (Accessed January 2026)

• Burke Rehabilitation: "Three Grants to Enhance Patient Care" (2023). https://www.burke.org/about/news-media/2023/burke-rehabilitation-announces-three-grants-to-enhance-patient-c/ (Accessed January 2026)

• STEER for Student Athletes: "STEER Awarded $25,000 Grant from the Thomas & Agnes Carvel Foundation" (2023). https://www.steerforstudentathletes.org/news/steer-awarded-25000-grant-from-the-thomas-agnes-carvel-foundation (Accessed January 2026)

• Elizabeth Seton Children's: "Young Adult Center Receives $500,000 in Funding." https://setonchildrens.org/young-adult-center-receives-500000-in-funding/ (Accessed January 2026)

• Mercy University: "Mercy College Receives $35,000 Donation from the Thomas and Agnes Carvel Foundation to Support the Student Emergency Fund." https://www.mercy.edu/news-events/news/mercy-college-receives-35000-donation-thomas-and-agnes-carvel-foundation-support (Accessed January 2026)

• Yonkers Philharmonic Orchestra: Funders page. https://yonkersphilharmonic.com/sponsors (Accessed January 2026)

• GrantStation: The Thomas and Agnes Carvel Foundation profile. https://grantstation.com/grantmakers/thomas-and-agnes-carvel-foundation (Accessed January 2026)

• Grantmakers.io: Thomas and Agnes Carvel Foundation profile. https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/132879673-thomas-and-agnes-carvel-foundation/ (Accessed January 2026)