Fresh Air Fund

Why Donate to Fresh Air Fund?

The Fresh Air Fund unlocks the limitless potential of thousands of New York City children annually through transformative summer experiences and year-round programs, but we can’t do it without your help.

Since its founding in 1877, The Fresh Air Fund, a not-for-profit youth development organization, has provided free life-changing summer experiences in the outdoors to more than 1.8 million children from New York City’s underserved communities. At sleepaway camps in New York’s Mid-Hudson Valley, visiting volunteer host families along the East Coast, and in NYC-based programs, children learn new skills, have fun and gain new perspectives. Fresh Air children also participate in year-round leadership, career exploration and educational programs.

In 2020 and 2021, The Fresh Air Fund was not able to operate its traditional camp or Friendly Towns programs and developed new in-person, virtual and hybrid summer programs to support youth in New York City. Through creativity, commitment, a network of incredible partners and the generosity of supporters, we ensured that despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, New York City children would have access to free, enriching and fun opportunities.

In 2022, The Fund is returning to its traditional Friendly Towns and Camping programs, with critical safety protocols in place, while continuing the best of the NYC summer programs. The Fund is committed to changing the lives of New York City children by providing them with the experiences, exposure and empowerment that will help them succeed long after their summer has ended. We believe that investing in a child’s journey through life provides an opportunity for young people to learn, grow and thrive in our city and beyond. The magic of a Fresh Air summer, full of new experiences and new friends, is simple yet transformative.