Across every borough, neighborhood, and community in NYC, families are united behind one wish: that their children will have the access and opportunity to fulfill their dreams. Making this wish a reality, however, is more complicated.

Forbes tallied the biggest reported charitable gifts and pledges made in 2019. Some sub-$100-million gifts and pledges that made headlines for their potential impact include Blackstone president Jonathan Gray�s $25 million donation to tackle breast cancer.

A new campaign is encouraging residents and businesses in Long Island City Queens to invest in local public school children. The goal is to raise at least $30,000 for the education savings accounts of 900 children attending five nearby schools.

In recognition of Mindy and Jon Gray�s philanthropy, Penn will annually select an outstanding cohort of 10 students from New York City accepted to any of Penn�s four undergraduate schools who qualify for the highest level of financial aid and for the benefits available through the Penn First Plus program. These students will receive grants

Mindy and Jon Gray are giving the University $10 million to support 10 students from New York City annually. The gift will also provide funding for Penn First Plus, which seeks to give the full college experience to low-income and first-generation students.

After a public preventative double mastectomy earlier this year, ELLE�s own Editor-in-Chief Nina Garcia accepted an honor �not for myself, but for all of the women who are not as fortunate as I am, the women who didn�t have access to genetic counseling, insurance, or a support system