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1653 FOUNDATION INC

HUNTINGTON, NY · EIN 832082380 · Form 990 · FY2024 · NTEE S20 · Community Improvement · Small ($100K-$1M) · 1653foundation.org
revenue
$173K
expenses
$110K
net assets
$132K
employees
0
program ratio
89%
mission · from form 990

THE MISSION OF THE CORPORATION IS TO RESTORE, MANAGE AND ENHANCE THE PARKLANDS AND PUBLIC SPACES OF THE TOWN OF HUNTINGTON THROUGH COLLABORATION WITH ENTITIES WITHIN THE TOWN GOVERNMENT, COMMITTEES, PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS AND OTHER INFLUENCERS, TO INFORM POLICY DECISIONS AND TO DIRECT FUNDING, BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE, TO FURTHER OUR MISSION

profile · synthesized from sources

1653 Foundation Inc. is a nonprofit dedicated to restoring, managing, and enhancing parklands and public spaces in the Town of Huntington, NY. The organization leverages private funding, grant acquisition, and partnerships with town government and community groups to support environmental restoration, public art, and recreational infrastructure. Projects include living shorelines, park beautification, habitat conservation, and cultural initiatives that improve community access and resilience.

named programs · 8 · from sources

What they call their work

Acorn Fulfillment Project
Community engagement initiative placing hand-crafted pottery acorns along Huntington park trails to encourage outdoor activity, nature connection, and public enjoyment of green spaces.
Artist Alley – The Artery
Revitalization of a neglected alleyway in downtown Huntington into a vibrant, art-focused pedestrian corridor with murals, gardens, and lighting, inspired by international public art districts.
Beach Facility Beautification Project
Renovation of beach buildings across the Town of Huntington with fresh paint and improved aesthetics to enhance coastal public spaces.
Halesite Park Living Shoreline Project
Ecological restoration initiative involving removal of seawalls and piers, stormwater management via bioswales, and planting of salt marsh and native vegetation to improve marine habitat and water quality in Huntington Harbor.
Huntington African American Museum Project
Initiative to create a museum celebrating African American history and contributions in Huntington, with a goal of raising $5 million for construction, exhibits, and programming.
Peter Crippen House Preservation
Effort to save and preserve the historic Peter Crippen House, a site of Black heritage in Huntington, through fundraising and community engagement.
St. John’s Pond Conservation & Restoration Plan
Support for development of a conservation plan for St. John’s Church Marsh and Pond, including conceptual designs for ecological restoration in partnership with GEI Consultants.
West Neck Beach Open Water Swim Center
Preliminary planning and funding exploration for park enhancements at West Neck Beach to support open water swimming and public beach access.
activities · 9 groups

What they do

  • Public Space Beautification and Maintenance 3 activities
    • Beach and facility maintenance improvements
      Conducted beach facility beautification projects by repainting multiple beach buildings in collaboration with the Town of Huntington to improve aesthetics and public experience.
    • Tree planting and donor-funded beautification projects
      Supports ongoing beautification efforts such as the planting of flowering trees at Breezy Park through donor-funded initiatives, including the facilitation of donations and installations.
    • Urban space transformation and placemaking
      Plans to transform underutilized urban spaces such as the NY Ave/New Street Alleyway into park-like public areas featuring interactive art, murals, gardens, and improved lighting to enhance safety and community engagement.
  • Urban Park and Public Space Conservation 2 activities
    • Advocacy for parkland policy and funding decisions
      Collaborates with Town government, committees, and partner organizations to inform policy decisions and advocate for funding allocations toward parkland improvement and environmental resilience projects.
    • Restoration and management of parklands and public spaces
      Restores, manages, and enhances parklands and public spaces in the Town of Huntington through direct action and collaboration with town government, committees, and partner organizations. Activities include habitat restoration, infrastructure improvements, and beautification projects.
  • Archaeological and Cultural Conservation 1 activity
    • Archaeological research at historic sites
      Completed an archaeological study at the former Peter Crippen House location on Creek Road to support historic preservation and cultural understanding.
  • Outdoor Recreation Access Promotion 1 activity
    • Development of public trails and recreational resources
      Co-published a trails guide to promote recreational use of trails in Huntington's parks and preserves, supporting public access and outdoor education.
  • Artist Support Grants 1 activity
    • Grantmaking for public space and art projects
      Funds and awards grants for community improvement initiatives such as the Huntington Downtown Artist Alley project and public art installations on utility poles in Huntington Station, leveraging grant-writing to secure $250,000 in external funding.
  • Historic Building Restoration and Preservation 1 activity
    • Historic preservation and cultural heritage initiatives
      Works to preserve and restore historic sites including the Peter Crippen House and supports the development of the Huntington African American Museum to recognize the contributions of diverse racial and ethnic communities in Huntington’s history.
  • Community Festival & Event Production 1 activity
    • Hosting community events and celebrations
      Hosts and sponsors community events such as the Town of Huntington Family Earth Day Celebration and Founders Day celebration at The Conklin Barn to promote public engagement and environmental awareness.
  • Onsite & Outreach Environmental Education Programs 1 activity
    • Installation of nature-based art and scavenger trail activities
      Places hand-crafted pottery acorns monthly along marked trails at Fuchs Pond Preserve and Henry Ingraham Nature Preserve starting in fall 2026 to encourage exploration and engagement with natural areas.
  • Uncategorized 2 activities
    • Funding feasibility studies and environmental assessments
      Seeks and secures funding for environmental studies including a feasibility study for wildlife-safe passageways at Fuchs Pond Preserve and a vulnerability assessment of stormwater infrastructure at Mill Dam Road and Park to improve climate resilience and water quality.
    • Kiosk content administration for public parking areas
      Provides kiosk content administration services for directional kiosks located in Huntington’s municipal parking lots, supporting wayfinding and visitor information.
financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$173K
Contributions & grants$11K6%
Program service revenue$00%
Investment income$00%
Other revenue$162K
expenses
Total expenses$110K
Program expenses89%
Admin / overhead11%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$0
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineFacilities
balance sheet
Total assets$137K
Cash$137K
Investments$0
Liabilities$5K
Net assets$132K
Liquid reserves15.0 mo
4 years on record · 2021–2024 · YoY revenue +100.8%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024

Who runs it

board members · 7
  • ALLISON SINGH — DIRECTOR
  • BARRY LITES — DIRECTOR
  • BRIAN J YUDEWITZ — TREASURER
  • GREG WAGNER — SECRETARY
  • MARK MCATEER — VICE PRESIDE
  • PETER GESELL — DIRECTOR
  • ROBERT J BONTEMPE JR — PRESIDENT
relationships · 24

Who they work with

  • Digho Arts Partner — Partnering with 1653 Foundation to integrate art into the Huntington Artist Alley revitalization project.
  • Greenway Trails Committee Partner — Co-compiled the Huntington trails guide to promote recreational use of local trails.
  • Greg Kline Foundation Partner — Donating partner supporting the preservation and enhancement of parks and public spaces in Huntington.
  • Huntington African American Historical Designation Council Partner — Collaborates with the 1653 Foundation to create the Huntington African American Museum.
  • Huntington African American Museum Partner — Collaborating to establish a museum for public education on African American history.
  • Huntington Arts Council Partner — Partnering with 1653 Foundation to enhance public art and cultural programming in the Huntington Artist Alley project.
  • Huntington Beautification Council Partner — Partner organization co-implementing public art installations on utility poles in Huntington Station.
  • Huntington Chamber of Commerce Partner — Collaborating with 1653 Foundation to support economic and cultural development through the alleyway transformation.
  • Huntington Harbor Government — Project site located within Huntington Harbor, which is listed as impaired for pathogens; improvements aim to reduce pollution entering the harbor.
  • Huntington Planning Department Partner — Partnering with 1653 Foundation on the Huntington Artist Alley project to support urban revitalization and community development.
  • Huntington Town Attorney’s office Partner — Collaborating with 1653 Foundation on legal aspects of the alleyway revitalization project.
  • Huntington Village BID Partner — Collaborating with 1653 Foundation on the Huntington Artist Alley revitalization project, with Huntington Village BID serving as lead partner.
  • Huntington Village Business Improvement District Partner — Supports the 1653 Foundation’s kiosk content administration services for directional signage in village parking areas.
  • Long Island Clay Partner — Collaborates with local potter and students to create hand-crafted pottery acorns for the Acorn Fulfillment Project.
  • National Grid Partner — Collaborated on a downtown cleanup volunteer event in Huntington’s entertainment district.
  • Office of the Supervisor Partner — Partnering with 1653 Foundation on the Huntington Artist Alley initiative.
  • The Laurel Group Partner — Collaborating with 1653 Foundation on the redevelopment of the NY Ave/New Street Alleyway.
  • Town of Huntington Government — Collaborates with Town government to restore and manage public parklands.
  • Town of Huntington Government — Collaborates with town government entities to restore, manage, and enhance parklands and public spaces.
  • Town of Huntington Government — Collaborating agency on multiple public space improvement projects including beach beautification and kiosk installations.
  • Town of Huntington Partner — Co-hosted Founders Day celebration at The Conklin Barn.
  • Town of Huntington Partner — Collaborates on multiple community development and preservation projects including the Harborwalk, Halesite Park, and the Peter Crippen House.
  • Town of Huntington Partner — Collaborates on the Family Earth Day Celebration event.
  • Town of Huntington Planning Department Partner — Co-compiled the Huntington trails guide to promote recreational use of local trails.
strategies · 4

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.

  • Collaborative Governance to Advance Public Space Investment
    methodology: collaborative_governance
    By engaging in collaborative governance with town authorities, committees, and partner organizations, the organization influences policy and funding decisions to improve public spaces because shared stewardship increases legitimacy, resource access, and long-term sustainability.
  • Creative Placemaking to Activate Underutilized Spaces
    methodology: creative_placemaking
    By transforming underused urban areas into art-filled, visually engaging environments, the organization stimulates visitation and local economic activity because aesthetic and cultural activation increases perceived safety, attraction, and social use of public space.
  • Cultural Preservation as Community Identity Building
    methodology: cultural_preservation
    By preserving African American history through museum development and cultural celebration, the organization strengthens community identity and inclusivity because recognizing diverse heritage fosters belonging and collective pride.
  • Nature-Based Solutions for Ecological and Community Resilience
    methodology: nature_based_solutions
    By implementing nature-based solutions such as living shorelines, oyster reef restoration, and green infrastructure, the organization improves ecological health and community resilience because natural systems enhance water quality, protect coastlines, and generate co-benefits like recreation and habitat.