Staff Reporter
Despite past controversies, the Bronx Community Foundation—accused of failing to distribute nearly $400,000 raised for fire victims—has been awarded $300,000 in new grants from city and state lawmakers this spring.
Story Highlights
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Bronx Community Foundation failed to distribute $400K for Twin Parks fire victims in 2022.
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New grants total $300K from NYC Council and NY Assembly.
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Previous grant was canceled over “financial and ethical issues.”
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Key political ties linked to the group’s lobbying firm London House.
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Major allocations by Speaker Adrienne Adams and Councilmember Rafael Salamanca Jr.
The Bronx Community Foundation is once again at the center of scrutiny. Just months after reports revealed that the nonprofit failed to distribute hundreds of thousands of dollars meant for the victims of the tragic Twin Parks apartment fire in 2022, the organization has secured an additional $300,000 in government funding.
Public records show the foundation received $245,000 from the New York City Council and $55,000 from the New York State Assembly earlier this year. This comes despite concerns raised in recent years about the organization’s financial management and leadership stability.
A Troubled Track Record
In January, investigative reports uncovered that the Bronx Community Foundation had not spent nearly $400,000 it raised for victims of the devastating Twin Parks fire, which killed 17 Bronx residents. For three consecutive years, the organization reportedly spent more on consultants and overhead than on charitable giving.
The foundation’s internal issues have also made headlines. Several board members resigned following the firing of its inaugural president and CEO, signaling turmoil at the top.
Last fall, Empire State Development, a state agency that promotes economic growth, went as far as canceling a grant to the foundation. In a strongly worded letter, the agency cited leadership turnover and “financial and ethical issues,” adding that these problems “cast doubt on whether the organization can appropriately satisfy the terms and conditions required.”
Despite Concerns, New Funding Flows In
These red flags, however, did not stop lawmakers from directing more money to the group. According to records, the largest allocation came from City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, who steered $100,000 to the foundation.
Councilmember Rafael Salamanca Jr. sponsored a $90,000 grant, while Councilmember Kevin Riley contributed $25,000 and Councilmember Althea Stevens added $30,000.
The foundation also received a $55,000 grant from the New York Assembly. Unlike the City Council, the Assembly does not disclose which lawmakers sponsor these grants—a lack of transparency that good-government groups say increases the risk of corruption.
Political Connections and Lobbying Power
One possible explanation for the foundation’s continued success in securing funds may lie in its political connections. The nonprofit hired the influential lobbying firm London House, founded by Jason Laidley, a figure with close ties to Bronx political heavyweights including Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Councilmember Kevin Riley, and Bronx Democratic Party leader Senator Jamaal Bailey.
City Council’s Response
When asked why the City Council continues to fund the Bronx Community Foundation despite its history, Council spokesperson Mara Davis explained:
“The grants are aimed at helping create more equitable access to digital resources for Bronx residents and all New Yorkers.”
She added that the grants are provided on a reimbursement basis rather than as upfront payments. However, Davis did not comment on whether the council considered the foundation’s previous controversies before approving the funds.
Salamanca Defends His Decision
Councilmember Salamanca, who sponsored one of the largest grants, defended his $90,000 allocation:
“Whenever an elected official in the city wants to allocate funding to an organization, they get vetted,” Salamanca said. “And there was no issue.”
He stated the funding was intended for laptop giveaways for Bronx children, referencing a recent event in which 350 members of an NYPD youth group received free laptops in partnership with the foundation.
When pressed on how many laptops were provided in total through the grant, Salamanca did not respond.
The Bronx Community Foundation’s ability to secure $300,000 in new government grants—despite previous failures to distribute aid and a canceled state grant—underscores deep questions about accountability and transparency in public funding. While city officials argue that the organization passed vetting procedures and emphasize the digital equity goals of these grants, the lack of clear answers on past controversies and results remains troubling. For Bronx residents and fire victims still awaiting meaningful assistance, the debate over trust, oversight, and political influence in nonprofit funding is far from over.
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