A Long-Term Commitment to Queens

COMMUNITY IMPACT FUND

The Metropolitan Park Community Impact Fund is a long-term charitable commitment designed to support organizations and programs that serve Queens residents—especially the communities surrounding Willets Point.

This Fund reflects a core principle of Metropolitan Park: as the project grows, the surrounding community should grow with it.

What is the Community Impact Fund?

The Community Impact Fund is a charitable fund connected to Metropolitan Park and owned and operated by Hard Rock at Metropolitan Park.

It was created as part of the approved Hard Rock at Metropolitan Park project to provide ongoing support for charitable initiatives that strengthen Queens communities. Unlike one-time donations or short-term programs, the Fund is designed to operate over decades—delivering consistent, meaningful impact over time.

The purpose of the Fund is simple: to invest in organizations and projects that improve quality of life for Queens residents, with particular focus on neighborhoods closest to Willets Point.

Focused on Local Impact

The Community Impact Fund supports charitable organizations and initiatives that are located in or serve the borough of Queens.

While the Fund serves Queens broadly, priority is given to programs and organizations that benefit communities adjacent to or immediately surrounding Willets Point.

Areas of focus include, but are not limited to:

  • Workforce development and job training

  • Youth, education, and family-serving programs

  • Small business and economic opportunity

  • Health, cultural, and community-based organizations

The Fund is designed to support organizations with strong community ties, demonstrated impact, and a clear commitment to serving Queens residents.

How Decisions Are Made

To ensure community insight and local perspective inform those decisions, Hard Rock at Metropolitan Park has established a Community Impact Fund Advisory Board.

The Advisory Board:

  • Is composed of individuals with deep ties to Queens

  • Brings expertise in areas such as housing, health care, education, small business, and nonprofit leadership

  • Provides recommendations and guidance regarding community needs and funding priorities

The Advisory Board does not approve grants. Instead, it plays an important advisory role—helping ensure that the Fund remains grounded in real community priorities and operates with integrity and purpose.

The Community Impact Fund is owned and operated by Hard Rock at Metropolitan Park, which retains responsibility and final decision-making authority over how Fund resources are managed and distributed.

This structure balances accountability, community input, and long-term stewardship of the Fund.

Built on Trust

The Community Impact Fund operates under clear governance standards designed to ensure fairness, integrity, and public trust.

Key safeguards include:

  • Strict conflict-of-interest rules

  • Advisory Board members serve without compensation

  • Advisory Board members may not be affiliated with organizations that receive funding

  • Clear eligibility standards for supported organizations

Hard Rock at Metropolitan Park will provide regular public communication about the Fund’s activities, including the types of projects supported and the overall impact of the Fund over time.

These measures exist to ensure that decisions are objective, responsible, and focused solely on community benefit.

A Fund Designed to Last

The Community Impact Fund is structured to provide predictable, sustainable support over the long term.

Planned funding levels include:

  • Approximately $2 million annually from 2026 through 2030

  • Approximately $5 million annually from 2031 through 2060

This approach allows the Fund to grow alongside Metropolitan Park and ensures that resources are available not just in the early years, but for future generations.

Long-term challenges require long-term commitments—and the Community Impact Fund is designed with that principle in mind.

An Ongoing Conversation

The Community Impact Fund will roll out in phases.

Additional information will be shared over time regarding:

  • Engagement opportunities

  • Timelines

  • How organizations can learn more about the Fund

At this stage, the focus is on building understanding, transparency, and dialogue. Hard Rock at Metropolitan Park is committed to listening, learning, and ensuring the Fund evolves in response to community needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Advisory Board provides recommendations and community insights that Hard Rock at Metropolitan Park utilizes to make final funding decisions.

  • Eligible organizations are located in or serve Queens, with priority given to community districts near Willets Point, and must meet eligibility and conflict-of-interest standards.

  • An online portal to accept applications will open on April 1, 2026.

  • Additional details about timing will be shared as the Fund moves into its next phase.

  • Hard Rock at Metropolitan Park will provide regular public communication about the Fund’s activities and impact.

  • The Fund is owned and operated by Hard Rock‍ at Metropolitan Park.

Stay Connected

To receive updates about the Community Impact Fund, including future announcements and engagement opportunities, sign up below.

Signing up does not constitute an application for funding. It simply ensures you receive information as it becomes available.