The Foundation recognized that literacy development depends on an ecosystem that extends well beyond the classroom – and that for many families, particularly those with limited access to consistent enrichment, informal learning environments play an outsized role in building early language and literacy skills.
The Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) occupies a unique position in that ecosystem. Through its interactive exhibits, hands-on programming, and work with families in homeless shelters and underserved communities across New York City, CMOM creates early, critical moments of language exposure, storytelling, and caregiver engagement that lay the foundation for reading readiness.
We provided catalytic support for CMOM’s new museum – which will be the first new museum to open on Central Park in over 25 years – to expand its reach and deepen its impact as a literacy-aligned institution for children and families citywide.
In April 2026, Nessia Kushner and the Heckscher Foundation for Children were recognized at CMOM’s Annual Gala, which brought together more than 500 supporters, civic leaders, and philanthropists and raised $2.5 million in support of CMOM’s mission. The evening celebrated champions of early childhood literacy across New York City, and honored the Foundation for its sustained philanthropic investment in early literacy programs serving underserved youth.
Watch the evening’s tribute below.
Children’s Museum of Manhattan | Catalytic Giving | Focus Areas