Attributed to: Nina M. Bershadker, Executive Director, Taft Foundation
About the Taft Foundation
In service of The Taft Foundation’s mission to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) lead fulfilling lives, we are particularly focused on expanding opportunities for young adults transitioning into adulthood and increasing access to meaningful employment by building stronger pathways that connect education, training, and work.
Our grantmaking prioritizes organizations that are helping young people and adults with I/DD develop skills, access real-world work experiences, and ultimately secure competitive, integrated employment. Geographically, we focus our funding in the New York City metro area, as well as in Southeast Florida (Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties).
Why does the Taft Foundation support Workforce Matters?
Workforce Matters offers a valuable space for funders to learn from one another and keep abreast of the constantly evolving workforce development space. The abundant resources curated by Workforce Matters have taught me so much already! I joined the steering committee in 2026 to more actively contribute to and help shape the conversations about how philanthropy can strengthen workforce systems and expand access to opportunity for all.
I value the opportunity to both learn from peers and broaden the conversation about what it takes to build a truly inclusive workforce. Workforce development is complex, especially for populations that have historically been left out, including people with I/DD. This network creates space to share what’s working, challenge assumptions, and highlight how people with disabilities can and should be part of workforce strategies.
What is something the Taft Foundation is 2026 you’re excited about?
In 2026, one of the many things we’re excited about is the launch of the Partnership for Inclusive Internships (PII) in Westchester County. Building on the success of this model in New York City, the effort brings together county government and I/DD nonprofits to create paid internship opportunities within county departments for people with disabilities.
PII brings together public sector leadership, nonprofit expertise, and philanthropy working together to create real, work-based experiences that can lead to long-term employment, including in government – a sector that has historically not been accessible to people with I/DD. It’s a practical example of how we can move from conversation to action and build more inclusive pathways into the workforce.
What’s something in the Taft Foundation’s workforce grantmaking you’d like others to know about?
One thing we’ve learned is that improving employment outcomes for people with I/DD requires more than strong individual programs—it requires coordination across systems. Partnership and collaboration among service providers, government, and funders are key! We’re also paying close attention to the importance of early and sustained exposure to work. Helping young people build skills and experiences before they exit school is critical, but so is ensuring there are clear pathways and supports that continue into adulthood.
At Taft we strive to remain opportunistic, support innovative program models, and convene partners when it makes sense – all to encourage a shift from isolated efforts and better respond to the aspirations of people with I/DD and workforce demands.
