March 17, 2017: Members of the New York Department of Corrections hold American and Irish flags as they march during the annual St. Patrick's Day parade on 5th Avenue, in New York City. Getty Images

The NYC Knights of St. Patrick, a non-profit that provides financial support to Irish cultural organizations and causes, have announced their financial support to local St. Patrick's Day parades across the state of New York.

The philanthropic organization recently announced donations exceeding $70,000 to be distributed to various Irish cultural organizations and in support of multiple St. Patrick’s Day Parades in communities across the New York region.

Community parade committees that will be receiving donations include Brooklyn, Queens (Rockaway), Bay Ridge, Yonkers, Mineola, Pearl River, and New York City.

The Knights also announced a donation of $5,000 to St. Patrick’s Cathedral to help underwrite the cost of hosting the St Patrick’s Day celebration commemorated by Cardinal Timothy Dolan.

The announcements were made at the organization's holiday gathering in Midtown Manhattan and in the presence of the Consul General of Ireland in New York, Helena Nolan.

Since its founding in 1988, the New York City Knights of St. Patrick have donated over $1.9 million to the great New York City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade and organizations including Solace House, Emerald Isle Immigration Center, the Irish Arts Center, the New York Irish Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and multiple St. Patrick’s Day parades across the region.

“These community parades may be smaller than the great march up Fifth Avenue, but they are no less deserving of the financial support that the Knights of St. Patrick are eager and happy to provide. They serve their communities and keep the Irish American spirit and heritage alive through St. Patrick’s Day parade celebrations taking place throughout the month of March,” said John Tully, Chairman of the New York City Knights of St. Patrick.

The annual parade up Fifth Avenue is a celebration of the Irish in New York, dating back to 1762, fourteen years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This year the parade will take place on Saturday, March 16, 2024. Maggie Timoney will serve as Grand Marshall.
 
The Knights of St. Patrick is a member-funded 501c(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to financially support the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and to promote the awareness and study of Irish culture.