Giving Rye is a feature series highlighting non-profits and community groups in and around the City of Rye. Today meet Cathy Levy of The Osborn Foundation.
Your Name: Cathy Levy
Name of your organization: The Osborn Foundation
Your role: Director of Development, The Osborn Foundation
MyRye.com: Tell us your organization’s mission
Levy: Our organization’s mission is to enrich the lives of those we serve in an inspiring, caring community while sustaining our commitment to excellence. The Osborn Foundation was founded in 2015 so that residents, families, friends and other donors could support programs and projects that improve the lives of those at The Osborn, the greater Rye Community, and beyond.
How long have you operated in or around Rye?
Levy: The Osborn has been operating since 1908 – 117 years in Rye.
What programming or work is the organization best known for?
Levy: The Osborn Foundation is a charitable foundation that is part of The Osborn Network. It raises funds for projects both on and off campus.
- Currently, we are undergoing a campus beautification project to enhance the entrances to our residential buildings by creating beautiful seating and entertaining areas for everyone to enjoy.
- Our resident-led initiatives help fund special initiatives on campus to recognize our employees, such as the Employee Enrichment Fund and the Academic Achievement Awards.
- Our community relations program funds programs in the greater Rye area that we support through sponsorship and donations. The Osborn Foundation focuses on not-for-profits that provide needed services, such as the Rye YMCA, Rye Rotary, Rye Schools, Rye Free Reading Room, and Rye Arts Center just to name a few.
Looking forward to 2026, what will be your top initiatives?
Levy:
The Osborn Foundation will continue to focus its work on 1) raising funds for projects both on and off campus, 2) supporting resident-led initiatives, and 3) funding programs in the greater Rye area.
- One area of focus going into 2026 is to raise funds support to complete our campus beautification project. This will result in new areas on campus for our residents and guests to gather and enjoy.
- We will continue to work with our Resident Association Committee to enhance their fundraising to recognize staff through the Employee Enrichment Fund and Academic Achievement Awards.
- We will continue to fund and partner with local nonprofits in Rye and greater community that align with the work of The Osborn. We are looking to provide financial support, participate in joint events, and provide volunteer support.
Tell us about the population you serve and how they can get involved with your programming and services.
Levy: The Osborn Foundation is part of The Osborn, and both residents and staff are very active in volunteerism. We have senior managers and staff who participate on various boards for organizations, including the Rye Rotary, Rye City Lions Club, the Alzheimer’s Association, Rye Free Reading Room, Greenwich Hospital Advisory Board and much more. Most recently our residents and staff participated in the Alzheimer’s Walk which was held at The Osborn and raised approximately $27,000.
Are you a 501(c)(3) non-profit with tax exempt status?
Levy: Yes, we are a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.
Looking back across 2025, what were your organization’s top achievements?
Levy:
We are proud of our many achievements in 2025. Notable highlights include:
- We provided approximately $2.3 million to Osborn residents who have outlived their resources in 2024 and plan to approximately provide $2.4 million in 2025.
- We will provide approximately $50,000 in financial support to approximately 26 community organizations.
- Our senior managers and staff will continue their tradition of giving back by providing approximately 1,600 volunteer hours and serving on numerous boards.
How can local residents support your organization?
Levy: There are several ways local residents can support The Osborn. Of course financial support is always welcomed. Our Charity Care program is an important program to many residents to add a level of security for those who have outlived their resources. In-person volunteer possibilities are numerous such as reading to residents whose sight is impaired and visiting with residents whose loved ones might not live close. Local residents can also enjoy select programs such as our fall WellSpring Series.
What local Rye residents and area businesses have been the longest, steadiest supporters of your organization?
Levy: We are grateful for the generous support of our residents. We also receive donations from the Rye community and beyond. This includes families of our residents, friends, trustees and our staff. We also appreciate the generous contributions from our many business partners.
Tell us about you:
How long have you been in your current role?
Levy: I have been in this role for over four years.
Is the role full time or part time? Paid or volunteer?
Levy: My role is full time and part of the staff.
How would your friends and family describe you in one word?
Levy: Compassionate.
Where did you grow up?
Levy: I grew up in Connecticut.
What principles guide you when you have to make a difficult decision?
Levy: When faced with a difficult decision, I gather the facts and consider all perspectives. I weigh the potential outcomes and use ethics to guide my judgment. I try to make a fair decision that leads to the best possible result.
What excites you most about the future—for yourself or for the world?
Levy: I am excited about what is ahead for The Osborn as the organization undergoes a reimagination. I am looking forward to expanding The Osborn Foundation’s reach and support during this exciting time.
Where do you live and how many years have you lived there?
Levy: I live in Tuckahoe, NY.
Thanks Cathy!
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