The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan and the Rockland Community Foundation Announce Planned Merger

The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan and the Rockland Community Foundation Announce Planned Merger

Proposed merger will strengthen regional philanthropy and enhance services for grantees and donors

MONTGOMERY, NY (April 11, 2025) – The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan (CFOS) and The Rockland Community Foundation (RCF) are excited to announce that their Boards of Directors have unanimously approved a merger, marking the next chapter in a successful partnership that has spanned more than a decade. The proposal awaits approval by the New York State Attorney General.

Since 2014, CFOS has provided back-office accounting and fund administration support to RCF.  The planned merger will combine the strengths, resources, and expertise of both foundations into one unified organization, positioned to better meet the growing needs of the region’s donors, nonprofits, grant and scholarship recipients, and other community partners.

The newly formed organization will unveil a new logo in the coming months, reflecting its expanded geographic reach. Details on enhancements to the staff and board composition will also be shared, along with the introduction of a new name, all while staying true to the mission of connecting people who care with causes that matter.

"This is such an exciting moment in the Foundation's history!” said CFOS President and CEO Elizabeth Rowley. “RCF Executive Director Julie Sadowski will be a wonderful addition to our staff team, as will the volunteer leaders joining our Board of Directors. Together, our merged organization will reach new heights!"

“We remain committed to providing excellent service to each of our component funds,” CFOS Board President Chris Corallo added. “This merger will allow us to create even more opportunities for philanthropy and positive change throughout the region.”

The planned merger also reflects a deepened commitment to supporting a diverse range of nonprofit organizations and community initiatives. With expanded capacity, the combined organization will be better equipped to address the region’s most pressing challenges.

“By joining forces, we are creating a more efficient and impactful organization that will serve not just Rockland but the entire Hudson Valley,” Sadowski said. “We’re excited about the opportunity to expand our capacity, better serve our donors and community members, and ultimately increase our ability to make a lasting difference in the region.”

“By consolidating resources, we can achieve economies of scale, streamline operations, and enhance efficiencies in grantmaking and community support,” said Paul Adler, Rockland County Foundation President. “Aligning our missions and shared values will foster collaboration, strengthen local giving, and deepen our collective ability to address regional challenges.”

About the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan (CFOS): Based in Montgomery, NY, the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan connects people who care with causes that matter. Established in 1999, the Foundation helps philanthropic individuals, businesses and organizations establish charitable funds that will award grants and scholarships, for good, forever. The Foundation has significantly increased the region’s charitable capital and has empowered donors to make a profound difference in the quality of life in our region. Since its inception, CFOS, with its donors and fund representatives, has awarded more than $33 million in grants and scholarships. The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan currently administers 450 active charitable funds that represent $60 million in assets to support animal welfare, arts and culture, education, the environment, health and human services, recreation, and youth. To learn more, visit [cfosny.org]cfosny.org.

About the Rockland Community Foundation (RCF): The Rockland Community Foundation is committed to improving the quality of life for all people in Rockland County by increasing charitable giving. Its mission is to connect people and businesses with the causes that matter most to them through the creation of funds, across a wide range of interests, that donors create and the Foundation stewards. Community foundations put philanthropy within reach, offering the ability to establish funds that will continue to give for years to come, with tax benefits that donors can take advantage of now. Most importantly, the funds stay in the community, which means donors will see the impact of their contributions in the place they call home. If you are interested in creating a fund and would like more information or would like to donate to one of our many funds, visit [rocklandgives.org]rocklandgives.org.

Pictured: (left to right) Rockland County Foundation President Paul Adler, Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan President and CEO Elizabeth Rowley, Rockland Community Foundation Executive Director Julie Sadowski, Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan Board President Chris Corallo