July 23, 2025 —Update: As of June 11, 2025, Kendal Charitable Funds (KCF) formally merged into The Kendal Corporation. The spirit and intention of KCF’s mission will now be under the purview of a newly formed committee — the Advancement Committee — as part of The Kendal Corporation’s board. This milestone reflects a thoughtful alignment of our charitable efforts, ensuring they continue with clarity, efficiency, and shared purpose.
Thirty-six years since its inception, the Kendal Charitable Funds continues to evolve to address the needs of the aging community. Throughout 2024, the foundation successfully fostered a sense of community across the Kendal System and raised awareness for important causes for the future of aging.
The power of philanthropy shone through these accomplishments, specifically as the System worked to raise awareness to end Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
A Year of Purposeful Giving
Excited to expand upon a successful initiative, Kendal Charitable Funds granted $5,000 on behalf of each Kendal Affiliate to encourage participation in their local Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The funds were utilized to secure a Walk sponsorship position for the Affiliate or directly contribute to the Affiliate’s Walk Team.
Affiliates took advantage of the financial support from Kendal Charitable Funds, reached their goals, and participated in walks nationwide, with many noting that this year’s funding support truly made a difference in fostering deeper connections with their broader communities. Participating affiliates included: Kendal at Oberlin, Kendal at Home, Kendal at Lexington, Kendal at Ithaca, Kendal at Hanover, Kendal on Hudson, Barclay Friends with The Kendal Corporation, Lathrop Communities, and Collington.
Illustrating their commitment to providing exceptional memory care and support for those experiencing Alzheimer’s or other dementias, Kendal at Lexington participated in its local walk for the first time in several years thanks to the foundation’s support and donated the funds raised as a result of their events and activities directly to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Collington participated as a lead sponsor in their local walk, and Resident Don Zelman served as the representative of a person living with Alzheimer’s disease during the Walk’s Opening Ceremony.
As a part of Collington’s larger educational and engagement activities to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and dementia, they connected with George Washington University researchers conducting a county-wide aging services needs assessment. Focus groups with 30 residents, organized by Collington Foundation Board Member Chuck VanAnden, informed the study.
“We were thrilled to see such a strong and powerful response to the foundation’s financial support,” shared Diane Massey, Interim Executive Director at Kendal Charitable Funds. “Affiliates came together to support each other in their programming and efforts, while at the same time making it unique and meaningful to the local Affiliate community.”
Generosity Meeting Purpose
In addition to the System-wide funding initiative, the Academy of Hope Public Charter School successfully completed its two-year Promising Innovations Grant. Kendal Charitable Funds provided $50,000 to support their Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Healthcare Career Pathways program, training over a 24-month grant period.
Through this initiative, the Academy of Hope trained and certified 50 adult learners as CNAs, offering hands-on and in-depth training that included clinical practice and shadowing opportunities. Working as a pipeline to the healthcare field, this program prepares CNA graduates for careers in senior living and aging services. The partnership signifies the foundation’s reach beyond Affiliates to transform the aging experience across the country.
“For the future of senior living, Kendal Charitable Funds remains focused on advancing Kendal’s mission,” shared Barbara Freedman, former Board Chair of Kendal Charitable Funds. “We will continue to create new and innovative ways to advance our purpose and calling.”