Welcome
At Galvan Foundation, we believe that building a true American democracy requires strong advocates, thriving communities, and cultural expressions that foster civic participation.
Stories
A New Hudson Area Library Home Expands Possibilities for Its Patrons
A Place for Columbia County’s Transient Population to Start Fresh
Affordable Housing: Much More Than a Numbers Game
Bard is Redefining the High School Experience for Hudson Teens
Black Business Owners Get an In-Person Showcase for Their Wares
The Latest
About Us
alvan combines the shared philanthropic and professional work of founders T. Eric Galloway and the late Henry van Ameringen. Eric and Henry jointly supported many emerging and established nonprofit organizations and advocacy groups, fighting for:
- LGBTQ equality
- Affordable and permanent supportive housing
- Community development
- Mental health awareness and services
- HIV/AIDS equality, protections & decriminalization
- Drug policy reform
- Equal rights and opportunities for all
Galvan’s democracy-focused approach to philanthropy will honor the values central to our founders’ years-long activism for a just and equal society.
Our mission:
to work for an American democracy that achieves its true potential
About Us
We are advocates, developers, creators, and funders building a true American Democracy through four core programs:
HVA ADVOCACY FUND
We support organizations that advocate for social justice and the protection of fundamental rights. We provide funding to those fighting for true democracy locally, nationally, and worldwide. We provide resources to groups and individuals so they can better hold government accountable. We believe that a true democracy depends on strong advocacy organizations and individuals that can stand up for human rights and dignity.
COMMON GOOD
We invest in communities that support democracy in pursuit of the common good. For example, we build mixed-income housing and spaces for education and child care programs, entrepreneurs, and community spaces for arts and culture. We believe that democracy is stronger when we can all live and grow together as neighbors.
ARTS & LETTERS
We support artistic and cultural expressions that highlight pressing social issues by providing engaging experiences that inspire individual and collective action. The program supports individuals and organizations whose work advances the promises of true American Democracy.
GRANTMAKING
We identify and support organizations that further our mission by advancing the goals of our HVA Advocacy Fund, Common Good, and Arts & Letters programs.
Investing
to Create & Preserve:
Scattered site mixed-income housing
and special needs housing in historic buildings and a 25-room motel meeting emergency housing needs in collaboration with Columbia County Department of Social Services
Commercial & community facility space
in historic buildings and neighborhoods, including space for Bard Early College Hudson, Columbia Opportunities, Rolling Grocer 19, Northern Rivers Family Services, National Young Farmers Coalition, and Berkshire Farms Center & Services
Scholarships
and academic support to economically disadvantaged students through Galvan Graduation Program, a partnership with Columbia Greene Community College
Grants for homeowners
for making essential repairs through a Home Improvement Program
Commercial spaces for small businesses
including restaurants, art galleries, retailers, a grocery store, and a publishing company