Our approach
Co-creating impact through a relationship-centered approach
At Carmel Hill Fund, we address complex issues, and we know that making a long-term impact requires collaboration, trust, and shared learning. We carefully choose partners and grantees based on their expertise, dedication to our issue areas, and alignment with our values and approach.
Our role and philosophy
We believe our role is to listen, learn, and invest in organizations that are working to impact the current experiences and future of youth growing up in New York City through youth literacy and mental health initiatives. This means being a curious, values-driven, and responsive funder ready to catalyze new ideas and support the progress of effective programs.
Actively participating in problem solving
We don’t just fund—we participate. When opportunities arise to multiply our impact with other stakeholders, we build intentional spaces where we can connect, reflect, address pain points, and share knowledge. These learning communities help us stay informed, adapt to emerging needs, and discover new pathways to make a difference.
We follow a process rooted in collaboration and relationships
We intentionally use a streamlined, relationship-based process that removes unnecessary barriers and reduces the burden on organizations seeking funding.
What grantees can expect from us
- No Requests for Proposals or strict funding deadlines
- Streamlined due diligence process
- An openness to emerging organizations
- A priority on building relationships
- Accessible staff who are ready to engage with and support partners
- Risk-tolerant, innovation-friendly funding
- Consideration of support beyond our monetary investment
- A motivation to learn with and alongside grantees
- Opportunities to co-create thoughtful, low-burden reporting
What we expect from our grantees
- Deep commitment to supporting the youth literacy and mental health outcomes of young people growing up in New York City
- Spirit of collaboration and an interest in building a relationship
- Future-forward thinking, with a focus on sustainability
- Transparency and readiness for ongoing reflection, learning and improvement
- Clear alignment in values and shared goals
- Integrity, clear communication, and follow-through
Words from our Team
We believe systems-level change is necessary to contribute to and help improve the wellbeing of as many young people as possible growing up in New York City. Therefore, we’re looking for solutions, interventions and ideas that are going to go beyond just what one organization can do to those that can reach as many young New Yorkers as possible.
Itai Dinour, Executive Director
Let’s partner!
Reach out today to learn more about our grantmaking and to explore potential opportunities.