The Knights of Saint Patrick have generously donated grants totaling $62,000 to support Irish cultural initiatives across Downstate New York.
The Irish American philanthropic organization selected a total of 13 metropolitan St. Patrick’s Day parades, up from 11 parades in 2025, and charitable causes for its largesse. Among the beneficiaries was the iconic New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a landmark celebration of Irish culture and heritage since 1762, and the Saint Patrick’s Day Foundation.
The New York Archdiocese and Cathedral also received a Knights grant to assist in defraying the costs associated with the celebration at the pre-parade mass at the St. Patrick’s Cathedral on March 17.
Other regional parade committees recipients this year include Brooklyn, Bay Ridge, Eastchester, Goshen, Mahopac, Mineola, Rockville Centre, Rockaway, Pearl River, Peekskill, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Warwick.
“The Knights were established to assist in the preservation of the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and, while that remains our primary objective, we are proud to financially support local parades and cultural events, thereby preserving the spirit of Irish America and St. Patrick throughout the Metropolitan Area,” said John F. Tully, Chairman of the Knights.
The Knights of St. Patrick was established in 1988 when a small group of men and women united to provide essential financial assistance to the city’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade during a period of significant financial hardship. Since then, the organization has evolved into a prominent leader in the charitable support of events and institutions dedicated to the preservation and celebration of Irish culture.
Over the years, the Knights have contributed over $1.9 million in support of New York’s St. Patrick’s Day Parades and other significant causes, including: New York Irish Center, Irish Arts Center, Emerald Isle Immigration Center, and Solace House.
Metropolitan St. Patrick’s Day parades receiving financial support from the Knights this year are:
- March 1st – Mineola Parade & Staten Island Parade
- March 7th – Queens County Parade (Rockaway)
- March 8th – Warwick Parade & Northern Westchester-Putnam Parade (Mahopac)
- March 14th- Peekskill Parade
- March 15th – Eastchester Parade, Mid-Hudson Parade (Goshen) & Brooklyn Parade (Park Slope)
- March 17th – New York City Parade (Fifth Avenue)
- March 21st – Yonkers Parade (McLean Avenue) & Rockville Centre Parade
- March 22nd – Bay Ridge Parade & Rockland County Parade (Pearl River)
The Knights of St. Patrick of New York City is a member-funded 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Its mission is to preserve and promote the awareness and study of Irish culture while ensuring the continued success of the annual NYC Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, which has been a cornerstone of Irish American heritage and pride since before the birth of the United States.
