Supporting Charitable Causes in Healthcare, Disabilities, and Community Development

Howard Fensterman Charities highlights the philanthropic work of Howard Fensterman, whose donations support medical research, individuals with developmental disabilities, and community organizations that strengthen families and improve quality of life.
This site shares updates, stories, and initiatives supported by Howard to inspire others to give back and strengthen their communities.
A Leader in Compassionate Giving and Community Impact
Howard Fensterman’s philanthropy has strengthened healthcare systems, fueled groundbreaking medical research, and expanded essential community programs across New York and beyond. His longstanding support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities has opened doors to better care, greater independence, and improved lifelong opportunities.
Guided by a mission rooted in compassion, responsibility, and service, Howard’s philanthropy extends far beyond financial contributions—it reflects a deep commitment to elevating human dignity, empowering vulnerable populations, and investing in initiatives that create lasting, meaningful change.
Howard is a contributor to Heart to Heart. A nonprofit healthcare organization committed to ensuring critical medical aid reaches the people who rely on it most, as well as the United Hospital Fund. An organization to make healthcare safer, more equitable, and more efficient across New York through advocacy, innovation, and collaborative initiatives.
Medical Research and Patient Support

Howard’s donations help fund research, treatment programs, and support services for individuals living with serious or chronic conditions. His involvement contributes to expanding education, improving care, and giving families hope for better outcomes.
Fensterman’s support of the United Hospital Fund helps advance its initiative to improve hospital performance, advance healthcare research, and support frontline providers, while helping hospitals meet the evolving needs of their patients.
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Howard supports charities that provide residential programs, job training, therapeutic services, and community inclusion for individuals with special needs. His work spans decades and focuses on organizations that provide real, measurable impact.
Howard’s work with celiac disease focuses on advancing medical understanding, improving patient support, and raising public awareness about this often-misunderstood autoimmune condition. Through charitable contributions to research institutions, healthcare organizations, and foundations dedicated to digestive health, he helps fund studies aimed at better diagnostics, improved treatments, and ultimately a cure.
His support also extends to community initiatives that provide education, advocacy, and resources for individuals and families managing celiac disease. By prioritizing both scientific progress and patient well-being, Fensterman’s efforts enhance the quality of life for those affected by celiac disease.
Howard also contributes to Life’s WORC and similar organizations that promote independence, dignity, and meaningful opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities.
Community, Faith, and Education
Howard believes in strengthening local communities by supporting organizations that offer family programs, educational resources, outreach initiatives, and community-building activities. He serves on the Board of Trustees of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation – Long Island Chapter and is the Chairman of the Board of Chabad of Port Washington. Through these roles, he supports education, family services, community outreach, and programs that help individuals facing medical or personal challenges.
He actively supports Futures in Education, a nonprofit that helps children in Brooklyn and Queens access Catholic schooling regardless of financial hardship. His involvement contributes to scholarship funding that has helped award tens of millions of dollars to students since 1989. Through programs like the Angel Program, the foundation offers tuition assistance to families in need. Fensterman’s support strengthens educational opportunities and helps ensure students are not turned away due to cost.
Frequently Asked Questions About Howard Fensterman’s Philanthropy
Who is Howard Fensterman?
Howard Fensterman is a New York attorney and managing partner at Abrams Fensterman, LLP, who has dedicated decades to philanthropy. He focuses on medical research, developmental disabilities, celiac disease awareness, and strengthening Long Island and New York communities through major donations and board leadership.
What causes does Howard Fensterman support most passionately?
He is especially committed to (1) developmental disabilities and autism support, (2) celiac disease research and patient services, (3) cardiovascular and cancer research, and (4) youth and family services across Long Island and New York.
Which organizations has Howard Fensterman served as a board member or major donor?
Among others: Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation (Long Island Chapter), Celiac Disease Foundation, American Heart Association, Autism Communities, North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, and the Long Island Children’s Museum.
How much has Howard Fensterman donated over the years?
While exact lifetime figures are private, his ongoing multi-year pledges and leadership gifts are in the high seven figures, with significant annual support to the organizations listed above.
How can I get involved with the charities Howard Fensterman supports?
While we don’t take any donations on this website, you can visit the individual charity pages here, which provide direct links to the organizations mentioned.
Does Howard Fensterman focus his giving only in New York?
No – while the majority of his support stays in Long Island and greater New York, several of his major gifts benefit national organizations such as the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, the Celiac Disease Foundation, and the American Heart Association, creating impact across the United States.
Has Howard Fensterman received awards for his philanthropy?
Yes – he has been honored multiple times, including the 2024 Humanitarian Award from the North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center and recognition from the American Heart Association for lifelong community leadership.
Are Howard Fensterman’s donations personal or through his law firm?
Both. Many gifts are made personally and through family foundations, while Abrams Fensterman, LLP also sponsors events and matches employee giving to the same causes.
Does he accept unsolicited donation requests?
Howard prefers to support long-term partners and board commitments. New requests are reviewed periodically, but established relationships receive priority.
Where can I see photos and updates from the charities he supports?
Regular event photos, impact reports, and success stories are posted on this site under “News & Events” and on the individual charity pages linked throughout howard-fensterman-charities.com.