Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation

The COVID-19 crisis has brought renewed attention to the importance of mental health programs and resources for communities in need. As our world copes with economic challenges, social distancing measures and health concerns, our need for increased access to mental health services continues to be of the utmost importance.

NewYork-Presbyterian doctors and nurses on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis

Our COVID-19 Response

With a multifaceted donation of nearly $1M, the Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation has provided crucial support to many communities impacted by the widespread effects of COVID-19. These organizations all reported an increased need for services and resources during this time of uncertainty.

  • Bring Change to Mind: Donation helps to create virtual programs for high school students aimed to reduce isolation and keep students connected and supported.
  • Columbia University Irving Medical Center Patient Care Response: Donation supports acute critical needs, such as Personal Protective Equipment and ventilators, mobile screening tents, and mental Health services to support the healthcare providers.
  • A Common Thread: Donation to to raise both awareness and funding for those in the American fashion community who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is spearheaded by Vogue and in collaboration with the CFDA.
  • Girls Inc.: Donation supports the expansion of virtual resources to provide programming to girls in the absence of their in-person program, as well as offer resources for social and emotional support for girls affected by the pandemic once face-to-face interactions can resume.
  • NewYork-Presbyterian COVID-19 Patient Care Fund: Donation supports general patient care needs including the purchasing of ventilators and personal protective equipment, the hiring of additional clinical staff, and capacity expansion.

Despite this support, the need is still there, and has never been more urgent. With your help, we will continue to support organizations that are delivering direct access to services - training counselors, schools, volunteers and mentors - on supporting the emotional wellbeing of those lives changed by COVID-19.

About the Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation

The Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation is dedicated to making mental health a priority in every community by increasing understanding, improving access to care and promoting skills that build positive mental health for those who need it most. In 2019, the Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation supported leading nonprofits pioneering the next frontier of mental health. Last year, we:

  • Reached 1.6 million people with messages that combat the shame and stigma surrounding mental health struggles
  • Delivered programing in nearly 50 high schools and colleges to create the policies, practices, and conversations to promote positive mental health outcomes
  • Funded 2 of the leading research and treatment institutions that are innovating tomorrow's mental health breakthroughs

Mental Health Impact Partners

The Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation works with leading nonprofit partners to generate impact across the U.S.

  • Bring Change to Mind

    Bring Change to Mind is a nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging dialogue about mental health, and to raising awareness, understanding, and empathy. BC2M’s mission is to end the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness.

  • Columbia University Department of Psychiatry

    The Columbia University Department of Psychiatry is among the top ranked academic medical institutions in the nation in psychiatric research, education, and clinical care.

  • The Jed Foundation

    Transitioning into adulthood can bring big changes and intense challenges. The Jed Foundation (JED) empowers teens and young adults with the skills and support to grow into healthy, thriving adults.

  • New York-Presbyterian Youth Anxiety Center

    New York-Presbyterian's Youth Anxiety Center advances effective ways of diagnosing, treating, and helping teens and young adults suffering from anxiety disorders through research, treatment, and education.

  • Girls Inc.

    Girls Inc. inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold through direct service and advocacy. Their comprehensive approach to whole girl development equips girls to navigate gender, economic, and social barriers and grow up healthy, educated, and independent.

Donate

The Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation is recognized as exempt under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3) and is classified as a private foundation. Our annual report may be obtained upon request from Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation or from the NY State Attorney General Charities Bureau. Our address is 225 Liberty Street, 24th Floor, New York, NY and the Charities Bureau address is 120 Broadway, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10271.

Charitable contributions to the Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation are deductible from U.S. federal income tax, less the value of any goods and services received and subject to all applicable requirements and limitations of U.S. law. The Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation is not a registered charity in any country other than the U.S., and donors in other jurisdictions should consult their own advisors regarding any tax consequences of a contribution to the Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation.