Grant and Funding Programs Offered by The McGarry Love in Action Foundation Inc.

The McGarry Love in Action Foundation Inc. is a family-founded charitable organization created in memory of Kris and Joe McGarry, long-time foster parents in Nassau County. Observing that many foster children were not adequately prepared for life after aging out of care, the foundation was established to raise awareness and provide financial support that helps these young adults transition successfully into further education, work, and independent living. In parallel, the foundation also responds to the financial and emotional strain caused by cancer diagnoses, offering targeted financial assistance to affected families so they can focus on time together and critical care.

The foundation’s primary funding tools are scholarships and direct financial aid. The dedicated Scholarships page outlines an application-based scholarship program for qualifying students, supported by an online application form and featuring at least one past scholarship recipient. Beyond scholarships, the foundation channels event proceeds and donations to families struggling with medical and living expenses related to cancer, and to external nonprofits and healthcare institutions such as children’s hospitals and breast cancer coalitions.

Beneficiaries include young adults emerging from the foster care system in and around Nassau County, New York, as well as families confronting cancer-related costs. The foundation also supports organizations that align with its mission, including pediatric medical centers and community-based cancer support groups. While the site does not explicitly restrict eligibility by geography, its examples and partnerships indicate a focus on local and regional impact.

The McGarry Love in Action Foundation funds its grants through community-based fundraising, notably the annual Love in Action 5K event. Dedicated pages describe how proceeds from the 5K and other events are directed to scholarship funds, care packages, and donations to partner institutions. These activities reinforce a hybrid model—combining individual assistance (scholarships and family support) with project and program funding at healthcare and cancer-focused organizations.

Grounded in the founders’ experience as foster parents, a Marine veteran, and an NYPD officer, the foundation emphasizes the ethos of “never leaving anyone behind.” Its mission is to turn that ethic into concrete financial help for vulnerable youth and families in crisis. By combining scholarships, direct financial relief, and strategic donations to medical and cancer support institutions, the McGarry Love in Action Foundation plays a focused but meaningful role in the local philanthropic and grantmaking ecosystem.