Who We Are
St. George’s Society of New York is a 254-year-old non-profit that has provided care and comfort when it is needed most. We recognize that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a huge impact on people’s lives.
Fueled by a passionate membership community, we create a social outlet that cultivates a sense of belonging and celebrates our uniquely British roots, all while supporting our philanthropic purpose.
OUR PROGRAMS
We provide life-changing assistance to people of British and Commonwealth heritage in New York. Learn more about our Scholarship Program, our Beneficiary Program, and our Family Support Fund program.
Our Community
We are a vibrant network of individuals and organizations united to do good and have fun doing it. Learn about our members.
Our History
Founded on St. George’s Day in 1770, St. George’s Society of New York predates the Declaration of Independence and the Revolutionary War and is the second oldest charitable organization in New York City. Our long tradition of good works has been a consistent thread in the ever-changing fabric of New York.
SGSNY was formed as a membership-driven charitable organization with the intent of aiding British settlers and their families as they immigrated to the United States.
Over the years, SGSNY’s assistance has taken a variety of forms:
A bag of coal or a voucher to a woodpile during the winter months
Free ship passage on the White Star line back to England when the “American dream” did not work out
A pawn ticket paid to retrieve a winter coat
A free hospital bed at St. Luke’s Hospital for the ill
An employment agency during depressions and periods of economic crisis
Advice and guidance for British war brides who found themselves in need upon their arrival in the United States
Burial plots for needy British subjects. SGSNY also assists others referred by the British Consulate-General, repatriates persons to the United Kingdom and provides cremation and interment in one of our three cemetery plots.
While our charitable giving has evolved, our purpose has remained the same: to help those in their hour of need. Since our founding, we have aided thousands of people in New York—striving to fulfill our motto:
“Let mercy be our boast and shame our only fear.”
Our Financials
St. George’s Society of New York is a registered 501(c) 3 non-profit organization.
SGSNY receives no government funding and its charitable programs are primarily funded by membership dues, donations and events. We publish an annual report and audited financial statement each year.
Read our 2022 Annual Report
Read our 2022 Financial Statement
Archived annual reports and complete copies of financial statements available upon request. Please contact us at hello@stgeorgessociety.org.
