MCNF at 40: Powered by Employees, Rooted in Community
For almost four decades, the Medical Center Neighborhood Fund (MCNF) has been more than just a funding source – it's been a movement powered by people, purpose, and partnerships. Since 1987, Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), NewYork-Presbyterian, and the New York State Psychiatric Institute have come together to support grassroot nonprofits that provide life-changing services to the people of Northern Manhattan.
What sets MCNF apart is its employee-driven, hands-on approach. Staff from across our institutions step up- not just as donors, but as active participants in shaping our community. Volunteers carefully review grant applications, conduct site visits, and foster lasting relationships with local organizations. Their efforts ensure that every dollar makes a direct and meaningful impact.
This year, MCNF extended its reach even further—awarding grants to 67 community based and faith-based organizations who provide services ranging from afterschool programs, housing advocacy, food insecurity to senior care all geared to uplift lives and strengthen the fabric of Washington Heights and Inwood community. Among the grantees, two stood out for their extraordinary impact: Orchestrating Dreams was honored with the Hintersteiner Award for inspiring creativity and nurturing artists of all ages in Washington Heights and Inwood. ARC XVI Fort Washington, Inc. received the Tapley Award for its unwavering dedication to serving neighbors in need—reflecting the compassion, purpose, and community spirit that define MCNF.
One dedicated volunteer, Michelle Castillo, Clinical Research Manager at CUIMC, exemplifies the heart of MCNF. She was joined by Alex Moreno, Program Coordinator at CUIMC who also volunteered his time to support the mission. “I was motivated to volunteer with the Medical Center Neighborhood Fund because I wanted to better understand the fabric of the community surrounding Columbia and NewYork-Presbyterian - and a way to contribute in a way that felt meaningful and personal,” Michelle shares. “Institutions have a responsibility to invest in the neighborhoods they’re part of, and I saw MCNF to be part of that commitment to equity and partnership.”
Michelle and Alex recently visited the Jewish Community Council of Washington Heights and Inwood, one of MCNF’s longtime grantees, and met with Chief Operating Officer Anat Coleman, who shared, “Being an MCNF grantee is a meaningful endorsement of our work within the community. It reflects a shared commitment between our organization and Columbia Medical Center to improving the quality of life for residents.”
From youth programs and education to food security and elder care, MCNF-supported nonprofits are making a difference where it matters most. As we look ahead, one thing remains clear: lasting change starts with committed people like you. Whether you're inspired to volunteer, donate, or simply learn more, there’s a place for you in the MCNF family. Together, we can invest in building a vibrant, healthier, and more prosperous community—one where we live, work, and thrive. Join us in making a lasting difference.
Want to get involved?
To learn more about how to donate or volunteer with the Medical Center Neighborhood Fund, please visit www.acp.cuimc.columbia.edu/medical-center-neighborhood-fund