Impact In The Park
Celebrating Community. Inspiring Change. Creating Impact.
NYC's Premier Grassroots Nonprofit Festival
September 29, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Impact in the Park is a high-energy community celebration that highlights the incredible impact grassroots nonprofits make across New York City's five boroughs. Bringing together nonprofits, city officials, media, business leaders, philanthropists, and community members, the event showcases the organizations working every day to strengthen neighborhoods and improve lives.
Grassroots nonprofits serve on the front lines of our communities, often operating with limited funding and small staffs while addressing some of the city's most pressing challenges. Despite their size, these organizations create a tremendous impact through their dedication, innovation, and deep community connections.
Through interactive exhibits, demonstrations, performances, and community engagement activities, participating nonprofits will share their stories, showcase their impact on NYC, recruit volunteers, and connect with new supporters. Impact in the Park is a citywide celebration of the organizations making New York City stronger, healthier, and more vibrant for all.
Primary Goals
- Showcase the life-changing work of NYC grassroots nonprofits and their impact
- Connect New Yorkers with organizations in their communities
- Support nonprofit sustainability through donations, volunteers & partnerships
- Celebrate diversity, resilience & creativity across all five boroughs
45
Nonprofits
5
Boroughs
9
Impact Areas
Nominate a Nonprofit Making an Impact in New York City
Nominate a Grassroots Nonprofit Making an Impact in New York City
Every day, grassroots nonprofits across New York City are changing lives with limited resources and an unwavering commitment to their communities. Now it's time to shine a spotlight on their incredible work.
As part of Impact in the Park, we are seeking nominations for 45 outstanding grassroots nonprofits (annual revenue under $1 million) that are making a meaningful difference across the five boroughs.
The selected nonprofits will be recognized and celebrated during this citywide event and will receive:
- A booth at Impact in the Park
- An opportunity to raise funds and connect with new supporters
- Recognition for the impact they are making in New York City's communities
- Increased visibility among community members, business leaders, philanthropic partners, and city officials
Whether they serve children and youth, veterans, health and wellness, arts and culture, education, the environment, animals, human rights, or another important cause, we want to hear their story.
Help us celebrate the organizations that are creating lasting change where it matters most. Submit your nomination today and help us recognize grassroots nonprofits that are making New York City stronger, healthier, and more vibrant for everyone.
The deadline for nominations is August 1st.
The Event Will Feature
45 Grassroots Nonprofit Booths
Live Performances & Entertainment
Family-Friendly
Activities
Community Engagement Experience
Adoptions Opportunities
Raffles for NYC Experiences
Volunteer Opportunities
Nonprofit Fundraising Opportunities
Five Borough Representation Model
The event will intentionally include organizations from:
Nine Community Impact Categories
The event will feature nonprofits representing key community impact areas across each borough.
1. Social Community Services
Examples:
· Food insecurity
· Homelessness support
· Community outreach
· Human services
Interactive Ideas:
· Food drives
· Community resource demonstrations
· Volunteer sign-ups
2. Women & Men Empowerment
Examples:
· Domestic violence support
· Career development
· Mentorship programs
· Family support services
Interactive Ideas:
· Resource stations
3. Children & Youth
Examples:
· Youth mentoring
· Education programs
· After-school initiatives
· Youth leadership
Interactive Ideas:
· Games & activities
· Face painting
· STEM activities
· Arts & crafts
· Youth performances
4. Human Rights
Examples:
· Advocacy organizations
· Immigration support
· Equity initiatives
· Community justice programs
Interactive Ideas:
· Awareness exhibits
· Educational experiences
5. Veterans Services
Examples:
· Housing support
· Employment assistance
· Mental health support
· Veteran community programs
Interactive Ideas:
· Veteran spotlight stories
· Community appreciation wall
6. Animal Welfare
Examples:
· Animal rescue groups
· Adoption organizations
· Foster programs
Interactive Ideas:
· Pet adoption areas
· Meet-and-greet experiences
· Pet care education
7. Environmental Organizations
Examples:
· Sustainability programs
· Green initiatives
· Community clean-up efforts
· Climate advocacy
Interactive Ideas:
· Recycling education
· Sustainability demonstrations
· NYC environmental impact displays
8. Arts & Culture
Examples:
· Community arts programs
· Cultural organizations
· Public art initiatives
Interactive Ideas:
· Live performances
· Art showcases
· Interactive murals
· Music & dance performances
9. Health & Wellness
Examples:
· Mental health organizations
· Public health education
· Wellness initiatives
Interactive Ideas:
· Health screenings
· Fitness demonstrations
· Wellness education booths
