Grants

Amherst College NYC Finance Trek

  • The Amherst College NYC Finance Trek is a unique opportunity for sophomore students at Amherst College who are interested in pursuing a career in finance. During this immersive experience in New York City, students have the chance to visit and engage with some of the most prominent financial institutions, including top investment banks, private equity firms, and other key players in the industry. The trek provides a platform for students to ask questions, learn from professionals, and gain a deeper understanding of the financial sector.

  • The trip concludes with a special dinner hosted by Pavel Chernyshov, co-founding partner of Arkview Capital, where students have the chance to reflect on their experiences, discuss what they have learned, and connect in a more intimate setting. This final event offers Amherst students a unique opportunity to further engage with the industry and make lasting connections. It also reinforces the value of mentorship and personal interaction in shaping their professional aspirations.

Kingsbridge Heights Community Center

  • Career Night at KHCC offers participants a valuable opportunity to explore a wide spectrum of professional pathways in one engaging evening. Designed to inspire and inform, the event brings together individuals at different stages of their educational and career journeys, creating a welcoming environment for learning, networking, and self-discovery. Attendees can gain clarity about their interests, ask meaningful questions, and begin envisioning possibilities for their own futures.

  • A key highlight of this event is the diverse range of professionals who share their stories, challenges, and successes. Representing multiple fields and industries, these speakers provide firsthand insight into what their day-to-day work looks like, the skills they rely on, and the paths they took to reach where they are today. Their experiences help demystify various careers and showcase the many routes - traditional and nontraditional - that can lead to fulfilling work.

  • This event was made possible thanks to the generous support of Arkview Capital in partnership with the Direct Impact Foundation. Their commitment to expanding opportunity and investing in community-centered programming played a vital role in bringing Career Night to life. By connecting participants with real-world role models, the event encourages informed decision-making and reinforces the power of collaboration in shaping pathways toward meaningful, empowering careers.

St. Augustine High School

  • St. Augustine High School was founded in 1951 by the Society of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart through the Youth Progress Program of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. The high school has operated from the same location since inception, 2600 A.P. Tureaud, it remains the leading secondary school for black males in Louisiana and is nationally recognized in educational circles for outstanding success in preparing its students for higher education.

    Pavel Chernyshov and Ron Ward, board members of the Direct Impact Foundation, visited St. Augustine High School in New Orleans to make a meaningful donation toward student scholarships. During their visit, they met with Aulston G. Taylor, the school's president, to tour the facilities and engage in a productive discussion about the school's college placement needs and strategies for empowering students to achieve their academic goals. This growing partnership underscores the Direct Impact Foundation’s dedication to fostering educational success and investing in the next generation of leaders. By collaborating with institutions like St. Augustine, DIF hopes to create sustainable pathways to achievement - ensuring that promising students have the resources, mentorship, and encouragement needed to reach their full potential.

Palm Beach Day Academy

  • The foundation of Palm Beach Day Academy’s program is the education of our students in an academically challenging and compassion-rich environment that guides each child toward personal excellence of mind, body and character. PBDA believes that children learn best when they are honored as individuals in an environment that is both challenging and supportive.

  • DIF’s annual contribution to Palm Beach Day Academy supports financial aid for students whose families need assistance with tuition and related educational expenses. The grant is designed to help talented children from surrounding communities access the opportunities PBDA offers, while enriching the school’s diversity and fostering a more inclusive learning environment.

Palm Beach Gardens Youth Athletic Association

  • The Palm Beach Gardens Youth Athletic Association is a nonprofit organization that serves more than 5,500 children across seven recreational leagues, including baseball, basketball, cheer, flag football, football, soccer, and softball. Built on the belief that participation in youth sports fosters social development, supports physical and mental well-being, and offers a positive outlet for youthful energy, PBGYAA remains dedicated to providing accessible, community-centered athletic opportunities for children of all ages and abilities.

  • DIF’s grant plays a vital role in supporting the continued growth and accessibility of local youth sports programs. Funding helps maintain and improve community sports fields, ensuring these shared spaces remain safe, functional, and welcoming for all participants. Most significantly, DIF’s support provides direct financial assistance to players whose families may be facing economic hardship. This ensures that no child is excluded from participating due to financial barriers, reinforcing DIF’s commitment to equity, opportunity, and community empowerment.