Developed in 1984 by the state of New York, Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation is dedicated to planning, designing, developing, and maintaining Roosevelt Island. Their efforts include developing and maintaining the roads, structures, and other public facilities on the island to improve the residents’ quality of life.

One of their most significant projects was collaborating in opening a learning lab at Sportspark alongside HCK Recreation Inc in 2020. The project, which was under the Learning Bridges Initiative, provides 200 seats.

The lab offers free enrichment activities and academic support to families on weekdays from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm when public schools are active. On 13th May 2022, Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation approached the New York Community Trust, asking them to administer their public purpose grants. This resulted in the creation of the Roosevelt Island Public Purpose Fund. The fund released $150,000 worth of grants to go to 13 nonprofits working to improve the residents’ life quality.

Shelton Haynes, the corporation’s CEO and President said the trust’s experience bettered the grant-making process. She added that it would also strengthen their future operations.

The grants are dedicated to an array of projects that will make life on the island more equitable and enjoyable. The projects include improving services for people living with disabilities and developing enrichment classes for older people.

The fund previously offered a $50,000-worth grant to Community Resource Exchange. This is one of the city’s most known nonprofit consultant agencies. They used the money to offer several nonprofit management workshops to Roosevelt Island’s nonprofits and grantees.

The trust is dedicated to making it easier for nonprofits to apply for grants and report processes. It also ensures the money is used to support essential services and programs like cultural enrichment, educational opportunities, and better health for the residents.

Gretchen Robinson, the corporation’s vice president and general counsel, played a massive role in making this happen.

About Gretchen Robinson

Ms. Robinson attended the American University Washington College of Law, where she got her Juris Doctor degree. She started her career at the Queens District Attorney’s Office. She later moved to the Civilian Complaint Review Board and worked in the Administrative Procession Unit, conducting administrative trials.

She became RIOC’s Compliance and Internal Controls Officer in 2015 after joining the state government.