Van Ameringen Foundation Incorporated
The van Ameringen Foundation (vAF) is a private New York foundation funding mental health services, advocacy, and early intervention for underserved communities. The official site lists grant guidelines, application/LOI portal, past grants, financials, and staff/board information.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Organizations focused on community-based mental health services, early intervention, or mental health advocacy—especially those serving underserved populations in New York and the Philadelphia region, though select national advocacy or media projects have also been funded.
Good Fit
- • Provides culturally competent, trauma-informed mental health services or workforce development for underserved communities.
- • Operates in New York or Pennsylvania or can demonstrate a statewide/urban impact that aligns with the foundation’s priorities.
- • Seeks general operating or program support in the typical grant band (many grants cluster around $50k–$150k; occasional larger awards exist).
- • Engages in policy or legal advocacy to increase access to mental health services (foundation has funded litigation and advocacy groups).
- • Can document measurable service expansion or concrete early-intervention outcomes.
Geography
Observed grants span seven states but are regionally concentrated: the latest year shows about 63% of dollars flowing to New York and roughly 30% to Pennsylvania, indicating a state/regionally focused footprint rather than a national one.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funded more than 120 distinct recipients in the latest year (125 grants to 123 recipients) with a substantial number of first-time grantees and a mix of community providers, legal advocacy groups, and national organizations, so the recipient set is broad for the foundation's size.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of openness exists: about 58 new recipients were funded in the latest year and the foundation publishes application/LOI instructions and an online portal, so unfamiliar applicants have a credible path to enter the portfolio.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
