Fund History

Norman Young, a Nassau resident and antique dealer, had a unique view of the 2008 recession. His business involved purchasing antiques from individuals in the community. He was struck by how many people were hard hit by the recession and were forced to sell possessions to make ends meet financially.

One day, while 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. In the early 1900’s, this organization had a local Nassau chapter. While that organization had long since faded away, Norman loved the name and the neighbor-helping-neighbor philosophy. He formed a new local organization and called it Nassau Sunshine Fund. The fund, run by local residents, would provide emergency financial assistance to other town residents experiencing financial difficulties.

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. The fund, established by community members and businesses, would provide emergency financial assistance to town residents dealing with financial hardship. At its first meeting, the attendees crafted 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.

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 the State of New York, and was approved as an IRS designated tax-exempt 501(c) (3) corporation.

In 2024, the Nassau Sunshine Fund board began working on an idea to create a scholarship fund to give youth in the opportunity to participate in community based recreational sports programs. In December 2025, the CT Olsen Athletic Scholarship was launched, thanks in part to an initial donation from a board member who had been entrusted to allocate monies left to her by a dear friend in an impactful manner. In the memory of this friend, many local youth will have equitable access to sports programs.

Our board remains faithful to our motto: Neighbors helping neighbors.