Fund History

Norman Young, a well-known Nassau resident and antique dealer, had a unique view of the Great Recession of 2008. As his business involved buying household items from individuals needing to raise money, he was struck by how hard hit many in the Town of Nassau were by the worldwide financial crisis.

One day, cleaning out a set of drawers, Norman came across an old cookbook that had been used as a fundraiser by an organization called Open Porch Sunshine Society, which had a local Nassau chapter in the early 1900’s. While that organization had long faded away, Norman loved its name and its neighbor helping neighbor philosophy. He conceived of a new local organization called the Nassau Sunshine Fund. The fund, run by local residents, would provide emergency financial assistance to other town residents dealing with a personal financial crisis.

He shared his idea with two friends and the three of them agreed to reach out to other community members, as well as to local religious organizations. At its first meeting, the attendees approved of a simple plan – create a charity that would offer interest-free loans to residents of the Town of Nassau, including the Village of East Nassau and the Village of Nassau, encountering a current financial crisis that exceeded their financial resources and for which local agencies, public and private, were unable to offer free assistance.

As our first chairman Sam Whaley said, "We decided on no-interest loans instead of just giving money away, because it provides dignity, not a handout." With volunteer help from an attorney, the Nassau Sunshine Fund adopted by-laws, became incorporated in New York State, and approved as an IRS designated tax-exempt 501(c) (3) corporation.

We remain faithful to our motto: Neighbors helping neighbors.