We are thrilled to announce that earlier this year, 826NYC received its second grant from the Guru Krupa Foundation to support our Write After School program. This generous gift will help ensure that every student in our programs has access to high-quality, engaging creative writing experiences—where their voices, ideas, and imaginations can shine.

Here’s a glimpse of how this support will impact our students and programs:

Supporting Young Writers

With the Foundation’s grant, students in our after-school program will continue to develop essential writing skills, explore creative storytelling, and gain confidence in expressing themselves. The grant also supported the production of The 826NYC Review No. 17—a beautiful anthology of student writing that foreword author Susie Jarmillo describes as a collection where our young authors “have developed the confidence to trust that their thoughts are valuable and that their words paint the pictures they see in their minds.”

Supporting Educators and Program Staff

This funding strengthens the resources and curriculum available to our teachers and program leaders, helping them provide individualized support and guidance that nurtures every student’s creativity. Our educators are deeply committed to introducing students to innovative and immersive programming that expands our students’ vision on what it means to become a writer.

Engaging Volunteers and Community Partners

Volunteers play a critical role in our programs: mentoring students, offering one-on-one feedback, and helping bring their stories to life. The Foundation’s support ensures that these collaborations continue to flourish, enriching the learning experience for both students and volunteers.

Celebrating Student Achievement

Through this grant, students will not only develop their writing skills but also experience the pride and excitement of seeing their work published and shared with family, friends, and the broader community.

“This funding from the Guru Krupa Foundation is deeply meaningful. It, for the second year in a row, allows us to celebrate our young writers, expand our programming, and share students’ stories with the world.”
–Rebecca Darugar, Executive Director

We are immensely grateful for the Guru Krupa Foundation’s ongoing commitment to educational equity and creative expression. With this partnership, we can continue to nurture curiosity, imagination, and confidence—helping the next generation of storytellers discover the power of their own voices.