The Anchor Program Fund, Inc

What The Anchor Program Fund, Inc does

The Anchor Program Fund, Inc. (APF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization established in April 1978 and headquartered in Lido Beach, New York. It operates as the dedicated fundraising and program-enhancement arm of the Town of Hempstead's Camp A.N.C.H.O.R (Answering the Needs of Citizens with Handicaps through Organized Recreation), a comprehensive year-round recreational program that began in 1968 serving children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities living in Nassau County, Long Island. APF does not deliver programs directly; instead, the Town of Hempstead provides facilities, staffing, transportation, and core services while APF funds the "extras" — field trips, special events, therapy programs, equipment, scholarships, and capital improvements.

The organization runs an extensive program portfolio including a 6-week Summer Camp (32 age- and ability-based groups, 250 staff supporting participants, with two field trips per summer), a year-round Fall/Winter/Spring (FWS) program serving 800+ individuals, and a wide range of activities including bowling, swimming, drama, sports, fitness, cooking, art, dance, equine therapy, surfing therapy, adaptive recreation, adult trips, Friday Night Lights, and Club A.N.C.H.O.R dances. Programs are delivered across multiple facilities: the Malone-Mulhall Recreation Center at Lido Beach, Echo Park Swimming Complex in West Hempstead, and three bowling alleys. Volunteer engagement is central, with 500+ teenage volunteers annually and 330+ volunteering specifically during summer camp; teenagers aged 14+ can join and many become paid employees after three years.

Revenue is sourced from individual donations, foundation grants, and fundraising events rather than service fees — services are provided at no cost to participants. Major funding streams include foundation grants (Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation, Francis and Gertrude Levett Foundation, Bethpage Federal Credit Union, Tommy Brull Foundation, Lindy Loo Foundation, Exceptional Artists Foundation), annual fundraising events (Beach Ball, Golf Outing, Comedy Night, Swim-a-Thon, Halloween events, Holiday Festival), the Double Good Popcorn virtual fundraiser (raising $228,335 in 2024), and online giving platforms (AmazonSmile, Network for Good, PayPal, Facebook). The ANNEX operates both an on-site and online retail store (apfannex.square.site) selling branded merchandise. The organization has 37 employees, served 1,200+ beneficiaries in the most recent reporting period, and maintains a waiting list of 700+ individuals seeking participation.

Name

The Anchor Program Fund, Inc

Legal name

The Anchor Program Fund, Inc.

Website

https://campanchor.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1978

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Anchor Program Fund, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that raises and deploys donations to fund the Town of Hempstead's Camp A.N.C.H.O.R, delivering year-round recreational programs for 1,200+ children and adults with disabilities in Nassau County, Long Island.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability Recreational Services

NAICS

Civic and Social Organizations (813410), Civic and Social Organizations (8134), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Special Education, Disability Support & Inclusive Education Nonprofits (BPAGADAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Group Camping & Scout Camps (THAGAOAI), Youth Adventure Camps & Summer Programs (THAAAOAB), Arts, Sports & Recreation-Based Youth Development Nonprofits (BPAGADAJ)

Keywords

• Disability recreational programs
• Special needs camp
• Nonprofit fundraising
• Adaptive recreation services
• Therapeutic summer camp

Headquarters

HQ city

Lido Beach

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Direct Donations: Individual donors contribute directly to support programs, activities, events, supplies, and equipment for A.N.C.H.O.R participants. Donations can be made through the website.
2. Special Events Fundraising: Annual fundraising events including Golf Outing, Beach Ball, Comedy Night, Swim-a-Thon, Halloween events, Holiday Festival, Turkey Trot, and Porch Portraits. These events generate significant revenue for programs.
3. Foundation Grants: The organization receives grants from foundations including Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation, Bethpage Federal Credit Union, Francis and Gertrude Levett Foundation, and anonymous donors. Grants fund specific programs like Equine Therapy, Fitness Bootcamp, Tae Kwon Do, equipment, and scholarships.
4. Product Sales: The ANNEX retail store sells ANCHOR merchandise including apparel. Also sells CandyGram gifts through Curbside Confections partnership.
5. Online Giving Platforms: Accepts donations through AmazonSmile, Network for Good, PayPal, and Facebook giving platforms.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Anchor Program Fund, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that raises and distributes funds to support the Town of Hempstead's Camp A.N.C.H.O.R, providing year-round recreational, therapeutic, and social programs to children and adults with disabilities in Nassau County, Long Island. Core offerings include a 6-week summer camp, Fall/Winter/Spring weekday and Saturday recreation programs, specialized activities (bowling, swimming, drama, art, dance, sports, fitness, cooking), equine and surfing therapy, social events, adult trips, and the ANNEX merchandise/donation store. The organization funds special activities, field trips, equipment, supplies, and program enhancements not covered by the Town.

Product overview

The Anchor Program Fund, Inc is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports the Town of Hempstead's Camp A.N.C.H.O.R (Answering the Needs of Citizens with Handicaps through Organized Recreation), a comprehensive year-round program serving thousands of children and adults with disabilities. The organization operates multiple core programs including the Summer Camp Program (6-week summer recreation), Fall/Winter/Spring (FWS) Programs, and Volunteer Program. These are supported by diverse activity offerings including Bowling, Drama, Cooking, Sports, Fitness, Swimming, Art, and Dance Team. Specialized therapy programs include Equine Therapy and Surfing. The organization also runs Adult and Saturday Recreation Programs, Adaptive Fun, Friday Night Lights, and Club A.N.C.H.O.R Dances. Fundraising events include the Annual Beach Ball, Annual Golf Outing, Swim-a-Thon, and various other community events. The ANNEX serves as the on-site and online retail store. The organization relies on donations and fundraising to fund special activities, field trips, equipment, and program enhancements beyond what the Town of Hempstead provides.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Summer Camp Program A 6-week summer recreation program running Monday-Friday, 10am-3pm, providing transportation and activities including sports, arts & crafts, home economics, drama, ocean/pool activities, clubs, dance, music, equine therapy, and surfing. Participants are grouped by age, needs, and abilities into 32 different summer groups with 2 field trips each summer, for children and adults with disabilities in the Town of Hempstead.
• Fall/Winter/Spring (FWS) Programs A comprehensive year-round schedule of recreational activities on weeknights and Saturdays serving 800 children and adults with special needs. Residents five years of age and older with developmental disabilities living in the Town of Hempstead are eligible to participate.
• Volunteer Program Volunteer opportunities supporting four programs: Bowling, Swimming, Saturday Recreation, and the 6-week Summer Camp. Volunteers must be 14 years or older by specific dates; many teenage volunteers transition to paid employment after three years.
• Bowling Program A.N.C.H.O.R bowling leagues meeting on Mondays, 4:30pm-6:15pm at Bowlero (East Meadow), San-Dee Lanes (Malverne), and Maple Lanes (Rockville Centre). For participants with disabilities in the Town of Hempstead.
• Drama Program Creative acting experience designed for participants ages 17 and older that sparks imagination, builds self-confidence, and develops skills in performing arts. Each season culminates with a spring musical and awards ceremony.
• Cooking / Food for Thought Program Hands-on cooking experience including prepping, cooking and sharing meals prepared from scratch. Incorporates safe food handling, cleanliness, table setting, presentation, and cleanup. Food for Thought is for ages 21+, while Cooking is for ages 17+.
• Sports Program Participants develop skills and learn various components of several sports including hockey, track & field, basketball, and soccer. Designed for participants ages 17 and older.
• Fitness Program Fitness activities including walking, stretching, yoga, strengthening activities, low-impact aerobics and group games. Designed for participants ages 17 and older, meeting Wednesdays 7:15pm-8:45pm.
• Swimming Program Supervised recreational swimming in a heated pool at Echo Park Swimming Complex. Offered Thursdays with different sessions for ages 5-16 (6:30-7:30pm) and ages 17+ (7:45pm-8:45pm).
• Art Program Art Program designed to tap into participant creativity and develop fine motor skills. Activities include paint night, sketching, tile work and glassware. Culminates in an end-of-session art show. For participants ages 17 and older.
• Dance Team Creative dancing experience teaching teamwork, following, support, and communication skills while building self-confidence. Participants learn choreography and perform at a spring recital. For participants ages 15+.
• Equine Therapy Therapeutic program using interactions with horses proven to have physical and emotional impact for individuals with physical, cognitive, or emotional needs. Sponsored by the Tommy Brull Foundation.
• Surfing Program Therapeutic surfing program that harnesses the ocean's transformative powers to deliver therapy to children and adults with disabilities. Run in partnership with the Tommy Brull Foundation.
• Adult Saturday Trip Program Adventure trips around Long Island including theater events, sporting events, and movie events. Offered monthly with participants encouraged to sign up for multiple trips. For participants 18 years of age and over who are relatively independent.
• Saturday Recreation Program All-day recreation program with diverse activities including music, dance, arts and crafts, and physical education held at Camp Anchor in Lido Beach. Transportation provided. For participants ages 5-16 and 35+ who require closer supervision.
• Adaptive Fun (Adaptive Saturday Recreation) Program specifically designed for participants with physical challenges including adaptive arts & crafts, movement activities, adaptive sensory activities and yoga/mat activities. For participants ages 15 and older with physical disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Rett Syndrome, and Muscular Dystrophy.
• Friday Night Lights Friday night social allowing participants to choose different activities each session including craft projects, cooking activities, board games, game shows, yoga, zumba, dance parties, and watching concerts/sports. For participants age 17-35.
• Club A.N.C.H.O.R Dances Social dance events where participants enjoy pizza dinner and dancing. For participants age 17 and over. Additional fees collected by A.N.C.H.O.R Program Fund to support the program.
• Annual Beach Ball Annual signature fundraising gala hosted by Anchor Program Fund, Inc. One of the organization's top fundraisers, with the 10th Annual Beach Ball raising over $51,000.
• Annual Golf Outing Annual charity golf outing at Rockville Centre Links Country Club benefiting Anchor Program Fund and Camp ANCHOR.
• Swim-a-Thon Annual fundraising event where volunteers swim laps to raise money for the ANCHOR program. Funds support special activities, events, and necessary supplies and equipment for individuals with disabilities.
• The ANNEX @ Camp ANCHOR On-site retail store at Camp Anchor selling ANCHOR merchandise, swag, and donations. Also operates online at apfannex.square.site.

Quantifiable outcome

• Serves 1,200+ children and adults with disabilities annually
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• New York IslandersminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 11 December 2023Hockey with a Heart event at UBS Arena where $5 per ticket donated to Camp ANCHOR, plus 50/50 raffle proceeds.
• Double Good PopcornminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Community fundraiser partnership where orders generate donations for Camp ANCHOR. 2024 total raised: $228,335.
• John's Crazy SocksminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 24 July 2018Delivered special 50th anniversary commemorative socks at Camp ANCHOR. John Cronin, co-founder, participated in sock design competition with camp participants.
• Peninsula Kiwanis, Oceanside Kiwanis, Long Beach KiwanisminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2018Participate in A.N.C.H.O.R Aktion Club beach clean-up events along with club members with special needs.
• George to the Rescue (TV Show)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2018TV renovation show surprised campers with mini golf course renovation during COVID when the nonprofit was strapped for donations.
• Nassau County PBAcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2017Hosts annual Block Party during summer camp, sponsors day at Camp Anchor, and was recognized for their dedicated support. George to the Rescue TV show, with help from Nassau County PBA, renovated mini golf course during COVID when donations were low.
• Town of HempsteadcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1968The Anchor Program Fund was established to support the Town of Hempstead's Camp A.N.C.H.O.R program. The Town provides facilities, staffing, transportation, and certain supplies, while APF funds special activities, events, equipment, and program enhancements. This is the core partnership at the heart of the organization.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Variety - the Children's Charity: International nonprofit providing adaptive equipment (wheelchairs, beach access mats, adaptive bikes) and inclusive programming for children with disabilities. Comparable mission focus on enabling recreation access for children with disabilities, though operates globally and is equipment-focused.
• Best Buddies International: Nonprofit creating opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Adjacent in mission to build inclusive community for people with disabilities, though focused on social/employment rather than recreation.

Direct peers

• Keshet: Midwest-based nonprofit providing recreation, education, and life-skills programs for children and adults with disabilities, including camps and year-round activities. Closely comparable mission and program mix (camps, sports, arts, year-round recreational programming) on a similar regional scale.
• National Ability Center: Park City, Utah-based nonprofit providing adaptive recreation and outdoor adventures (equine, skiing, rafting, cycling) for people of all abilities. Highly comparable therapeutic-recreation model including equine therapy and adaptive outdoor sports.

Broad incumbents

• YAI (Young Adult Institute): New York-based nonprofit providing support, recreation, and clinical services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Operates programs in the same region as APF and shares the New York-area disability services ecosystem, including day programs and recreational activities.
• The Arc: National disability advocacy and services organization with local chapters providing recreation, respite, and inclusive programming for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Comparable in mission to serve and support individuals with disabilities through community-based programs.
• Easterseals: National nonprofit serving people with disabilities through recreation, camps, therapy, and family services. Operates as a federated network of affiliates delivering disability programming at much larger scale than APF, with similar camping and inclusive recreation programs.
• Special Olympics: Global nonprofit providing year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Highly comparable in its recreational/sports focus on individuals with disabilities, though it specializes in competitive athletics versus camp-based programming.
• Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA): National nonprofit funding research, care, and recreation (including MDA Summer Camp) for individuals with neuromuscular diseases. Operates summer camp programs specifically for children with physical disabilities — directly parallel to Camp A.N.C.H.O.R's adaptive programs.

Regional players

• Camp Hope (Easterseals / various): Network of disability summer camps and recreational programs operated under various regional nonprofits across the US. Directly comparable in delivering recreational summer camp experiences to children and adults with disabilities in specific geographies.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-anchor-program-fund-inc

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Anchor Program Fund, Inc