FDNY Foundation receives grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) to provide protective equipment for first responders

New support for essential PPE builds on previous SNF grants to strengthen Fire Department’s ability to keep the public safe

NEW YORK, July 16, 2020 – The FDNY Foundation and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) announced that SNF has made a grant to the FDNY’s COVID-19 Emergency Fund to help acquire critical supplies, including additional personal protective equipment (PPE). This equipment will help keep EMTs and Paramedics safe on duty as they continue to serve on the frontlines of the pandemic.

At the height of the COVID-19 crisis, the FDNY received an unrelenting stream of emergency calls representing an enormous increase over typical call volumes. As FDNY prepares for the weeks and months ahead, SNF’s support will allow it to immediately acquire more than two million pieces of PPE.

“On behalf of the members of the FDNY, we are grateful to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation for their generosity during these challenging times,” said Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro. “Our members are prepared to keep New York safe. We are one department united against a common enemy.”

“Every day, FDNY EMTs and Paramedics are called—literally and figuratively—into extraordinary action, often at great personal risk and always requiring unwavering professional dedication,” said SNF Co-President Andreas Dracopoulos. “We at SNF are proud to do our part to help protect these brave public servants we rely on to protect us.”

This grant for protective equipment builds on previous support from SNF for the FDNY’s community outreach and engagement initiatives, including a new Fire Zone community education center set to open soon and ongoing training to ensure members are able to best serve the diverse communities they are sworn to protect. Enhanced training includes coursework in effective leadership, establishing trust, communication skills, and cultural awareness.

“Training ensures we can better serve all communities in our great city,” added Chief of Department John Sudnik. “These initiatives strengthen our longstanding tradition of responding to everyone who needs our help.”

This latest grant to the FDNY Foundation is part of SNF’s effort to aid some of the populations hit hardest by the pandemic through a $100 million global relief initiative. Grantees from the first two rounds of the initiative are delivering much-needed relief around the world.

About the FDNY Foundation
The FDNY Foundation, established in 1981 is the official not-for-profit of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). Our mission is to promote fire and life safety education and help the FDNY better protect New York. The FDNY Foundation funds awareness and outreach programs for the public and training and support for FDNY members. To learn more visit: www.fdnyfoundation.org

About the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF)
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) is one of the world’s leading private, international philanthropic organizations, making grants to nonprofit organizations in the areas of arts and culture, education, health and sports and social welfare. SNF funds organizations and projects worldwide that aim to achieve a broad, lasting, and positive impact for society at large and exhibit strong leadership and sound management. The Foundation also supports projects that facilitate the formation of public-private partnerships as an effective means for serving public welfare.

Since 1996, the Foundation has committed more than $3 billion through more than 4,700 grants to nonprofit organizations in 132 nations around the world.
See more at SNF.org.