Our Mission
The Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation is a private, non-operating foundation dedicated to advancing and uplifting the Long Island community and beyond through strategic funding, education, and collaborative partnerships.
Across the country, individuals and communities face various political, economic, and environmental challenges that profoundly affect their health, well-being, and opportunity. Our mission is to protect and improve the health, dignity, and prosperity of those we serve, and we believe that meaningful change begins at the local level. While our commitment to the Long Island community remains at the heart of our work, we support programs and initiatives across the country that create lasting impact for people in need.
We carry forward the spirit of our founder, Peter Dejana, leading with compassion, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to our communities.
Our Vision
We believe that improving the well-being of our communities, whether large or small, requires strong and passionate leadership, collaboration, and innovative ideas and initiatives.
While the organizations and initiatives we support will continue to evolve over time, the following areas will remain central pillars of our belief that people and the systems that support them can improve for the better. Through these efforts, we strive to advance our vision for a stronger, healthier, and more equitable society.
Investing in vulnerable populations
We have supported marginalized communities, individuals with disabilities, children and the elderly, those facing socioeconomic hardship, veterans and first responders, animals and the environment, and those who are critically ill, ensuring that they are protected and supported with dignity and compassion.
Strengthening institutions that will empower future generations
Through scholarships and program support, we have sustained initiatives designed to empower youth and young adults to dream boldly and live with confidence, regardless of their health, background, circumstance, or hardship.
Defending and supporting novel initiatives
The foundation has provided support for projects dedicated to the betterment of humanity and those that recognize health, opportunity and prosperity are a fundamental human right.
Our Values
The Peter & Jeri Dejana Foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen and uplift our local community and beyond. We approach every collaboration with intentionality, guided by Peter Dejana’s longstanding values of gratitude, purpose, and service. Our culture is driven by a sense of urgency, paired with a long-term commitment to organizations that demonstrate a deep understanding of the communities they serve and the meaningful impact they strive to achieve.
Central to our support is maximizing reach that meaningfully improves the lives of as many individuals as possible. We value authenticity, collaboration, and excellence. Our responsibility extends beyond our internal team. We are committed to accountability at every level. We are accountable to one another within the leadership of the Foundation, to the Foundation’s charter, to the communities and organizations we serve, and the laws and standards that govern our role as a private, non-operating 501(c)(3) foundation.