Since 2008, the New York Life Foundation has been an active champion and the largest funder of the childhood bereavement field, dedicated to increasing awareness of this important issue; supporting initiatives serving bereaved youth and their families; and growing the capacity, network, and sustainability of this field.
In 2011, the Foundation started the Grief Reach Grant program* in partnership with the National Alliance for Grieving Children (NAGC) to expand the reach and access of local bereavement programs and services to underserved youth.  All grants are reviewed by a diverse committee selected by the NAGC and the Foundation.  The committee makes recommendations to the Foundation and all final decisions on grants are made by the Foundation.  There are two funding opportunities: Community Expansion Grants and Capacity Building Grants for agencies that provide bereavement support services to children and teenagers.
  • Community Expansion Grants: This is the sixth year that Grief Reach has offered community expansion grants. These grants are intended to fund program expansion to include bereaved children and teens not currently served by existing services.
  • Capacity Building Grants: This is the third year that Grief Reach is offering capacity building grants. Capacity building grants will allow nonprofits to secure the professional and timely assistance necessary to enhance organizational capacity and address important issues of organizational development and effectiveness.
*The funds for these grants are generously provided by the New York Life Foundation.  The oversight and RFP process is managed by the National Alliance for Grieving Children.