With over 20 years of dedication and heartfelt giving, the legacy of the DeSantis Family Charitable Foundation has touched lives from Staten Island to around the world, creating lasting change for children with special needs and families in need.
"The miracle is this, the more we share, the more we have."
– Leonard Nimoy
In honor of their selfless work, the Foundation remains committed to uplifting Staten Island’s most vulnerable children, ensuring that their needs are met and their potential is nurtured. The DeSantis Family Charitable Foundation carries forward this legacy, helping to create a more equitable future for those in need, just as Lucille, Carmine and Robert envisioned.
Our Impact
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Years Committed
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Children Helped
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Grants Provided
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Proceeds to Children
Our Values
Fulfilling hopes, changing lives– locally.
We’re on a mission to improve the lives of special needs children on Staten Island. Through educational tools, transportation assistance, special camps, and much, much more, we’re out to make a difference for the people who need it most.

Special Projects
The DeSantis Family Charitable Foundation is committed to creating inclusive spaces for children with special needs. We’ve provided sensory playgrounds designed to stimulate and engage children in a safe, supportive environment. These playgrounds are carefully crafted to help children develop sensory, motor, and social skills, while also offering a space where they can play, explore, and connect with others. Our goal is to ensure every child, regardless of ability, has access to enriching play experiences.
Granting Opportunities
We provide grants to support organizations and initiatives that improve the lives of children with special needs. Specifically on Staten Island, these funds help sustain programs, services, and projects that make a lasting impact and offer vital resources to those in need. Our mission is to foster meaningful change and support the local community.
We Sponsor & Host Charity Events
We organize and sponsor charity events to raise awareness and funding for children with special needs on Staten Island. These events bring together the community, volunteers, and donors to support our mission. By creating these opportunities, we aim to engage individuals in making a meaningful difference in the lives of local children and families.
100% Volunteer-Driven
The DeSantis Family Charitable Foundation is proud to be 100% volunteer-driven. Our dedicated team of volunteers fuels our mission to support and uplift Staten Island’s most vulnerable children. With no paid staff, every contribution—whether time, effort, or resources—directly impacts the community we serve.
Our Team
Meet Our Team: Driven by the DeSantis Family's Legacy of Giving
Our team is a dedicated group of volunteers, backed by the influential DeSantis family, who are deeply committed to making a positive impact in the lives of children with special needs. The DeSantis family has a long history of philanthropy, with a strong influence in the community and a lasting impact through their generosity. Together, our team works to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for children on Staten Island.

Carmine DeSantis Jr.
President

Christopher DeSantis
Vice President

Michelle DeSantis
Chief Operating Officer
