Attorney General James Announces $4 Million to Support Community Organizations in the Bronx

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that her office will deliver approximately $4 million to support nonprofit community organizations in the Bronx. Astor Services for Children and Families, Bronx Children’s Museum, Bronx Council on the Arts, Bronx River Alliance, Bronx Works, Morris Heights Health Center, New York Botanical Garden, Part of the Solution, and Renaissance Youth Center will each receive $300,000 as a result of a dispute resolved by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) over the estate of former Bronx resident Herman Price. The remaining funds will be distributed to the Price Family Foundation, a private foundation that will use the funds to make grants to charitable organizations in the Bronx.

“I am proud to announce $4 million in funding to support community organizations in the Bronx,” said Attorney General James. “The programming and services these organizations provide are integral to the health, safety, and vibrance of neighborhoods from Woodlawn to Mott Haven. I am grateful that this successful result will help ensure Mr. Price’s estate continues to serve the borough he loved.”

Mr. Price passed away in 2017 at the age of 96, leaving behind an estate worth approximately $7.9 million. In his self-made will, Mr. Price bequeathed his estate to the “Price Foundation” upon his death, though no such organization exists. When Mr. Price’s next of kin moved to claim the entire estate, the Price Family Foundation objected, asserting it was the intended recipient of the estate. As New York’s primary regulator of charitable bequests in estates and trusts, OAG intervened in the ensuing litigation and successfully negotiated a settlement to ensure fair distribution of Mr. Price’s estate.

As a result of OAG’s intervention, Mr. Price’s next of kin have agreed to receive $3.5 million and nine charitable organizations selected in consultation with OAG will receive a total of $2.7 million. The nine organizations include:

• Astor Services for Children and Families, a mental and behavioral health clinic that provides affordable counseling and educational services to children and families in the Bronx.
• Bronx Children’s Museum, a museum dedicated to nurturing creativity, wonder, and a love of learning through interdisciplinary academic programs.
• Bronx Council on the Arts, a cultural organization that facilitates and supports the arts and local artists through workshops, artist residencies, and community engagement programs.
• Bronx River Alliance, a community-led environmental conservation organization dedicated to improving the Bronx River corridor by restoring the Bronx River and coordinating the construction of the Bronx River greenway.
• Bronx Works, a multi-service organization that aims to reduce poverty and empower youth by helping individuals and families enter the workforce and live independently.
• Morris Heights Health Center, a community-based healthcare organization that offers high- quality, affordable healthcare to individuals and families in Morris Heights and throughout the Bronx.
• New York Botanical Garden, a beloved, acclaimed green space with deep community ties that offers cultural and educational programming.
• Part of the Solution, a community-based organization that fights poverty and hunger in the Bronx by providing personalized financial services and food security.
• Renaissance Youth Center, an educational center that provides a safe haven for Bronx youth where they can access tutoring, coaching, and other enrichment programs.

The remainder of the estate – approximately $1.3 million – will benefit the Price Family Foundation, which will grant the funds to various nonprofits in the Bronx.

This matter was handled by Trusts and Estates Section Chief Mary Kim and Assistant Attorney General Judith Woods under the supervision of Bureau Chief James Sheehan, all of the Charities Bureau. The Charities Bureau is part of the Division for Social Justice, which is overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Meghan Faux.