Dejana Foundation increases grants to $26 million and gives $1M to Port Washington Fire Department

The Peter and Jeri Dejana Foundation said it will raise annual grant making to $26 million in 2026 after significant asset growth and awarded $1 million to the Port Washington Fire Department for a local training facility.

The Peter and Jeri Dejana Foundation announced an increase in its annual grant making to $26 million for 2026 after its assets grew following a large contribution and the death of co-founder Peter Dejana. The foundation began in 2024 with reported assets of $33.6 million and received a $301.2 million contribution that year, leaving reported year-end assets of $398.6 million on public tax filings. Foundation leaders said more funds have been moving from Dejana's estate into the foundation, though they did not disclose how much was moved in 2025. At a news conference in Port Washington, local organizations described how past grants have supported community programs. Key details: - The foundation plans $26 million in grants for 2026, up from $7.9 million awarded the previous year. - Tax filings show the foundation received a $301.2 million contribution in 2024 and reported $398.6 million in assets at year-end 2024. - The foundation awarded $1 million in January to the Port Washington Fire Department for a local multi-story training facility. - April Schweber, a foundation director, said the foundation expects to give away over $100 million in coming years. - Many grants are directed to Long Island organizations, with more than half going to the Port Washington area. - Geraldine "Jeri" Dejana is now leading the foundation and cited priorities including veterans, medical care, seniors, animals and children. Summary: The larger payout is expected to fund local projects already in planning, such as a fire training facility and an expansion at a community center, and reflects significant asset growth reported in 2024. Further details about additional asset transfers into the foundation in 2025 were not disclosed. Undetermined at this time.