Dunkin’ foundation awarded over $1.6M to kids battling illness and hunger
The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation announced it awarded more than $1.6 million in grants and Signature Impact Programs last year to 68 nonprofit organizations across the New York metro region, including here on Long Island.
Funding supported programs that bring joy to children facing illness or food insecurity in 2025 and Signature Program grants awarded will be leveraged into 2026. Each year, the foundation supports both longstanding partners and new grantees that directly assist children and families during some of life’s most challenging moments, according to a written statement.
The Joy in Childhood Foundation has four Signature Programs: Dunkin’ Joyful Spaces, Dunkin’ Prom, Connecting Joy, and Dogs for Joy. Benefitting organizations included:
Sunrise Day Camps Association Inc. received a grant to provide free, full summer day-camp experiences for more than 1,000 children with cancer and their siblings on Long Island and in Pearl River, creating spaces where kids can laugh, build friendships, and enjoy these childhood moments.
The Boomer Esiason Foundation received a grant to support its scholarship program for adolescents living with cystic fibrosis (CF), as well as for siblings and children of individuals with CF. This cause is one that Dunkin’ and the foundation have rallied behind for years, with funding helping students pursue higher education and plan for their futures despite ongoing medical and financial challenges.
St. Joseph’s Health unveiled its new children’s hospital playrooms earlier this year, made possible in part by a “Joyful Spaces” grant from the foundation, designed to provide patients with an escape from the traditional hospital setting. A “Dogs for Joy” grant also allowed the hospital to add a full-time facility dog from Canine Companions to provide comfort and companionship to young patients during their stays.
The foundation also donated 23,310 meals through Long Island Cares, helping ensure children and families had access to consistent, nutritious food throughout Long Island.
Dunkin’ franchisees also play an active role in the Joy in Childhood Foundation’s work across the region, serving as generous donors, encouraging local nonprofit organizations to apply for funding, and a committee of franchisees help guide how grant dollars are allocated to best support community needs.
“This year’s grants reflect what we’re hearing from our communities,” said Tara Carson, Dunkin’ Field Marketing Director in the region. “From increased demand at food banks to the need for moments of normalcy for children who are hospitalized, these organizations are stepping up in meaningful ways – whether that’s putting meals on tables or creating spaces where kids can simply be kids. We’re proud to support these organizations as they continue to show up for families across the area.”
Since 2006, the Joy in Childhood Foundation has granted more than $70 million to hundreds of national and local charities across the country. For more information, visit joyinchildhoodfoundation.org.
