Empowering Children. Strengthening Families. Building Hope.
Founded in 2021 by the Kiwanis Club of Douglaston and Big Apple from the heart of Queens, New York. The team has been dedicated to improving every aspect of life in the community.
Our Story
The Kiwanis Hope Foundation was founded in 2021. The Kiwanis Club of Douglaston and the Kiwanis Club of Big Apple started it. This foundation began in Queens, New York, during a very tough time in history.
As the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped our communities, families across Queens faced unimaginable hardship. Many children lost loved ones. Others struggled with financial instability, limited access to technology, and disruptions to their education. The crisis exposed deep gaps in educational equity — and made clear that immediate action was needed.
In response, community leaders came together with one shared belief:
Children are the hope and future of our world.
The Kiwanis Hope Foundation was established to turn that belief into action.
Who We Are
The Kiwanis Hope Foundation is a nonprofit in New York. It focuses on the educational and developmental needs of children aged 5 to 20.
We follow the long service mission of Kiwanis. We help young people from low-income and underserved communities. We provide them with tools, mentorship, and opportunities to succeed.
We are driven by compassion, guided by service, and committed to long-term impact.
What We Do
We support children and youth through programs designed to remove barriers and create pathways to success.
Educational Support
School supply distribution
Back-to-school initiatives
Technology assistance
Academic tutoring
Scholarships & Mentorship
Financial assistance for higher education
Leadership development programs
Career mentorship opportunities
Youth engagement through Kiwanis initiatives
Community Enrichment
Arts and cultural festivals
Youth competitions and public recognition programs
Community service projects
Safe, inclusive spaces for creative expression
Our goal is simple: help every child reach their full potential.
Our Mission
We support and empower children and youth. We provide educational resources, mentorship, and opportunities. These help them overcome barriers and reach their dreams.
Our Vision
A future where every child can succeed. This includes children from all backgrounds and financial situations. They will have access to the resources, guidance, and support they need.
Our Values
Service: We lead with action and compassion.
Equity: Every child deserves opportunity.
Community: Strong communities create strong futures.
Integrity: We operate with transparency and accountability.
Hope: We believe in the limitless potential of young people.
Our Leadership & Partnerships
The Kiwanis Hope Foundation was created by leaders from two Kiwanis clubs. These clubs are the Kiwanis Club of Douglaston and the Kiwanis Club of Big Apple. Both clubs have proudly served Queens East for many years.
We work with local businesses, schools, nonprofit groups, and community volunteers. Together, we expand our reach and strengthen our impact
Together, we are building something bigger than any one program — we are building opportunity.
Join Us
When you support the Kiwanis Hope Foundation, you help more than just a program. You help a child’s confidence, education, and future.
There are many ways to get involved:
Donate
Volunteer
Sponsor a program
Partner with us
Together, we can nurture hope — one child at a time.