named programs · 2 · from sources
What they call their work
Access Program
Matches travelers with disabilities with volunteer Greeters who provide accessible tours and guidance on using public transit.
Greeter Program
Matches visitors with local volunteer guides for 2- to 4-hour personalized walking tours of New York City neighborhoods.
activities · 4 groups
What they do
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Visitor Information and Trip Planning Services 2 activities
- Operates an Access Program for travelers with disabilitiesMatches travelers with disabilities to volunteer Greeters to facilitate accessible exploration of New York City, including education about accessible public transit options. This program ensures inclusive visitor experiences through tailored, guided visits.
- Provides access to accessible NYC travel resources through partnershipsOffers an accessible NYC guide developed in partnership with New York City Tourism + Conventions, supporting travelers with disabilities and promoting inclusive tourism.
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Volunteer Engagement and Capacity Support 1 activity
- Coordinates behind-the-scenes volunteer and operational supportManages behind-the-scenes roles including fundraising, marketing, publication design, and coordination of Greeter visits to support the organization’s core visitor programs.
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Cultural Exchange and Mutual Understanding Programs 1 activity
- Facilitates cultural exchange programs for volunteersOrganizes international cultural exchanges, such as a greeter tour in Malegno, Italy, allowing volunteers to participate in reciprocal hospitality experiences abroad.
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Guided Historic Site Tours 1 activity
- Provides free, volunteer-led walking tours for visitors to New York CityOffers personalized, informal walking tours lasting two to four hours, led by local volunteer Greeters who share insider knowledge of neighborhoods, cultural sites, restaurants, shops, and transportation. Tours are provided free of charge to groups of up to six visitors traveling together, with approximately 5,000 visitors served annually across more than 100 neighborhoods in all five boroughs.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$160K
Contributions & grants$160K100%
Program service revenue$00%
Investment income$00%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$164K
Program expenses50%
Admin / overhead26%
Fundraising24%
Salaries & benefits$134K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$64K
Cash$39K
Investments$0
Liabilities$4K
Net assets$61K
Liquid reserves2.8 mo
6 years on record · 2019–2024 · YoY revenue -13.2%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALICIA PIERRO | SECRETARY & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $66K |
board members · 22
- ALBERT FERNANDEZ — DIRECTOR
- AVIK KABESSA — DIRECTOR
- BENNETT BROOKS — DIRECTOR
- CHRISTOPHER P BOYLEN — DIRECTOR
- DAN MORRISON — CO-CHAIR
- DAVID ROTHFELD — DIRECTOR
- GARRETT R BOWDEN — DIRECTOR
- HOWARD BECKER — DIRECTOR
- JOHN J RUZICH — DIRECTOR
- KAMAL BHATIA — DIRECTOR
- KELLY ANN CURTIN — DIRECTOR
- KENNETH SMITH — TREASURER
- MARIELA ESTRELLA — DIRECTOR
- MARKLY WILSON — DIRECTOR
- MERRIE L DAVIS — DIRECTOR
- PATRICK W CONDREN — CO-CHAIR
- PATTY CLARK — CO-CHAIR
- PETER KOHLMANN — DIRECTOR
- PETER WRIGHT — DIRECTOR
- PHIL PHILLIPS — DIRECTOR
- REBECCA HOWARD-COOPER — DIRECTOR
- VIJAY DANDAPANI — DIRECTOR
relationships · 11
Who they work with
- Big Apple Greeter Partner — Volunteer Greeters partner with Big Apple Greeter to deliver free guided tours to visitors.
- Cara Ng Partner — Director of Volunteers & Communications who manages volunteer inquiries and office volunteer coordination.
- Cheryl Fleisher Partner — Dedicated volunteer serving as concierge for monthly donors.
- International Greeter Association Network — Founding member and part of a global network of Greeter programs that share best practices and honor the legacy of founder Lynn Brooks.
- International Greeter Association Network — Member organization within the International Greeter Association, sharing core values and practices with global Greeter programs.
- International Greeter Association Network — Played a key role in establishing the International Greeter Association.
- NYC Tourism + Conventions Partner — Collaborates with NYC Tourism + Conventions to support tourism and promote New York City as a welcoming destination.
- New York City Tourism + Conventions Partner — Collaborates to provide access to the Accessible NYC guide for travelers with disabilities.
- TripAdvisor Network — Featured on TripAdvisor with visitor reviews and ratings.
- United Palace Partner — Organized a private tour of the United Palace for Big Apple Greeter volunteers.
- Welcome to Harlem Partner — Partner organization offering specialized tours and experiences in connection with Big Apple Greeter.
strategies · 5
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Sustainable Tourism via Community Engagement 8 orgsmethodology: sustainable-tourism through community engagementBy connecting visitors with local communities, the organization promotes sustainable tourism that respects cultural and environmental resources while generating local benefits, because community-based engagement aligns visitor activity with resident values and long-term stewardship.shared approach: Community-Engaged Tourism →
- Resident-Led Peer Hosting Model 4 orgsmethodology: peer_hostingBy using local resident volunteers as peer hosts rather than professional guides, the organization creates authentic, relationship-based experiences that humanize New York City and shift visitor perceptions, because personal connections foster trust, reduce stereotypes, and promote cultural exchange.shared approach: Story-Driven Cultural Immersion →
- Storytelling and Insider Access for Cultural Immersion 4 orgsmethodology: storytelling_and_local_insider_accessBy using personal storytelling and local insider knowledge to highlight under-the-radar locations, the organization fosters culturally immersive experiences that challenge monolithic narratives of the city, because authentic narratives increase visitor engagement and appreciation of New York City’s diversity.shared approach: Story-Driven Cultural Immersion →
- Cross-Cultural Exchange Through Personalized Matchingmethodology: personalized_matchingBy matching visitors with local volunteers based on shared language, interests, and neighborhood familiarity, the organization deepens cross-cultural understanding and engagement, because personalized connections increase relevance, comfort, and mutual appreciation between visitors and residents.
- Inclusive Peer Support for Accessible Tourismmethodology: peer-guided-accessibility-supportBy pairing travelers with disabilities with trained volunteer Greeters, the organization enables personalized, inclusive exploration of New York City and promotes accessible transit use, because peer support increases confidence, autonomy, and meaningful access to urban environments.