Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts recently hosted a workshop for local nonprofit organizations serving the Bronx and Westchester interested in applying for the 2026 Community Grant Fund through the MGM Resorts Foundation, which remains dedicated to supporting New Yorkers across the Bronx and Westchester through its employee-funded MGM Resorts Foundation focusing on strengthening the communities where employees live and work. The foundation supports programs addressing food insecurity, public education, workforce development, affordable housing, family services, health and wellness, homelessness and services for seniors and veterans.
The workshop provided guidance and best practices for submitting a successful community grant application. Grant decisions are made by the Community Grants Council, a committee of Empire City employees who volunteer to review applications. More than 58% of Empire City employees contribute to the Foundation, which funds the Community Grant program.
More than 30 organizations attended the workshop, including first-time applicants such as Family Service Society of Yonkers, YWCA of Yonkers, Women’s Enterprise Development Center (WEDC), Yonkers Community Action Program, Institutes of Applied Dynamics, Matthew Wallace Foundation, New York Blood Center, BronxNet, Friends of Firefighters, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Westchester, Yes She Can Inc., Sister to Sister International, Cluster Community Services, among others.
“WEDC is grateful for the opportunity to apply for the Empire City Community Grant,” said Nikki Hahn, CEO of Women’s Enterprise Development Center. Through our shared commitment to expanding economic opportunity and strengthening local economies, we can help aspiring entrepreneurs launch and grow successful businesses, fueling job creation, supporting families and building vibrant, thriving communities.”
Additional attendees included previous grant recipients such as Westhab, which received funding to support no-cost certification training in the security, construction and building maintenance industries; Feeding Westchester, which received funding to help deliver meals to families in need; and Groundwork Hudson Valley, which received support for sustainability initiatives.
During the session, Empire City representatives highlighted several key best practices, including submitting separate applications for multiple programs; adhering to the maximum request of $15,000 per program, or up to $20,000 collectively for two programs; clearly identifying community needs and measurable outcomes; and ensuring all required documentation is complete prior to submission.
“Our nonprofit partners provide essential services to support individuals and families across the Bronx and Westchester,” said Lauren Douglas, director of guest experience at Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts. “Through the Community Grant Fund, our employees are proud to support organizations that deliver meaningful impact where we live and work.”
Empire City continues to demonstrate its commitment to corporate responsibility and sustainability initiatives benefiting the greater New York region. It supports charitable organizations throughout Yonkers, Mount Vernon, Westchester and the Bronx through grant funding, sponsorships and employee volunteer service.
Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts is one of the largest entertainment and gaming destinations in the Northeast. Featuring nearly 4,700 of the hottest slots, electronic three-card poker, blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat and sic bo table games, Empire City Casino also offers guests year-round harness racing and international simulcasting, live entertainment and more.
