North Fork Side by Side logo

Helping Good Ideas
Take Hold on the North Fork.

Since 2020, North Fork Side by Side has practiced community philanthropy — partnering with local nonprofits to support programs and initiatives that strengthen the North Fork community.

Children on a nature walk
Folk dancers performing on stage
Community garden group with seedlings
Fresh produce at a North Fork farm stand
Families at a CAST ParentChild graduation
By the Numbers

Local commitment, lasting partnerships.

6
Years of grantmaking
71
Grants awarded
30
Nonprofits supported
The Work

A sample of the breadth of work happening across the North Fork.

Sound Justice Initiative

Sound Justice Initiative

College classes in local jails evolving into a full reentry program — hundreds rebuilding their lives.

“Side by Side is one of our most meaningful partners. They believed in this work early, and that early confidence created momentum.”Dr. Kerry SpoonerPresident & Founder
Learn more →
The Butterfly Effect Project

The Butterfly Effect Project

Supporting BEP’s work with girls ages 14–18 — career exploration, academic planning, college visits, and a network of mentors helping them realize their full potential.

“This investment doesn’t just change a life; it changes a family and a community, creating a ripple effect that is felt by everyone.”Tijuana FulfordExecutive Director
Learn more →
CAST

CAST

Backing Summer Rise, a free six-week program giving 40 at-risk elementary students daily reading and math instruction, art, and field trips across the North Fork — with transportation and meals included.

“Side by Side has always believed in our vision, helping us create more opportunities for the families we serve.”Erica SteindlExecutive Director
Learn more →
North Fork Arts Center

North Fork Arts Center

Investing in the campaign that reopened Greenport’s 1939 Art Deco theater, and outfitting the classroom where students learn screenwriting, film editing, and digital media.

“It is only through the support of visionary funders like Side by Side that we could make such progress restoring the historic Greenport theater.”Alison OmensExecutive Director
Learn more →
Landcraft Garden Foundation

Landcraft Garden Foundation

Backing a greenhouse’s second life as a conservatory, children’s programming, and the mentorship that trains the next generation of professional gardeners.

“Side by Side’s funds have deepened our impact across the community and helped us better care for the garden for all to enjoy.”Dennis Schrader & Bill SmithFounders
Learn more →
A community garden club project in action
How We Give

An active community investor.

We help local nonprofits bring innovative ideas to life, test new approaches, and expand their impact across the North Fork.

  • ◆
    Action over inertia. We believe meaningful change starts with action — and we back projects ready to move.
  • ◆
    Clear, measurable goals. We support work with defined outcomes and the potential to create lasting value.
  • ◆
    Seeds, not overhead. Rather than day-to-day operations, our grants help promising new initiatives take root and grow.
Where we invest

Led by the people who live here.

Nearly every grant begins with a North Forker who saw a need and decided to meet it. We follow their lead — supporting the passion and initiative that turn up in every corner of community life.

  • ◆Environment
  • ◆Children & Youth
  • ◆Arts, Culture & Lifelong Learning
  • ◆Local History & Preservation
  • ◆Economic & Community Support
  • ◆Criminal Justice
Sound Justice Initiative member
Children at a North Fork maritime museum
A Landcraft garden workshop
A live dance performance
Organizations We’ve Supported

In good company.

The nonprofits we’ve been fortunate to work alongside across the North Fork.

Group for the East End → East End Arts → East End Center for Independence → CAST → Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County → New Suffolk Waterfront Fund → Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital → Floyd Memorial Library → Southold Free Library → Jamesport Meetinghouse → Landcraft Garden Foundation → Custer Institute & Observatory → Sound Justice Initiative → Hallockville Museum Farm → North Fork Community Theatre → Cutchogue-New Suffolk Free Library → All That Remains Project → East End Food Institute → Greenport Rotary → Mattituck-Laurel Historical Society & Museums → North Fork Arts Center → Butterfly Effect Project → North Fork Contemporary → Peconic Baykeeper → Greenport Skate Park → Town of Southold → Holy Trinity Episcopal Church → East End Seaport Museum → Archipelago Productions → Rites of Spring Music Festival → Our Fabulous Variety Show → OLA of Eastern Long Island →

Let’s build something, side by side.

Whether you’re a nonprofit doing meaningful work on the North Fork or someone who wants to know more, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply for a Grant Get in touch