OUR WHY
Ready stands for economic security, community development, and inclusive opportunity. These aren't just our goals, they're the building blocks of thriving individuals and communities.
In New York City and Nashville, thousands of young people are disconnected- out of school and out of work, often cut off from the relationships, creative outlets, and support systems that sustain pathways forward. Without intervention, this disconnection becomes a cycle that impacts not just income, but confidence, belonging, and potential for generations.
Breaking this cycle requires more than good intentions. It requires trusted mentors and strong relationships, comprehensive services, spaces for creative expression, educational support, avenues for economic opportunity, and genuine community. It requires partners who understand that economic security means little without connection, that opportunity requires support, and that true thriving emerges when we invest in whole people.
Together, we're building communities where every young person has what they need not just to get by, but to flourish.
At the heart of it all is economic security, community development and inclusive opportunity.
EXPANDING OUR IMPACT
Since our founding, The Ready Foundation has worked to strengthen communities through targeted grant-making in New York City. While New York remains our cornerstone, we proudly expanded to Nashville, Tennessee, in fall 2024 — extending our support to organizations driving change in education, health, and social equity.
OUR BROADER REACH ENABLES US TO:
Increase access to funding for grassroots organizations in New York and Nashville.
Partner with community leaders who understand local challenges.
Make a greater impact where resources drive meaningful change.
ADDRESSING POVERTY & DISCONNECTION
10.6%
Across the United States
1 in 10 Americans live below the federal poverty line
nearly 36 million people striving to make ends meet
18.2%
In New York City
The rate is even higher, reflecting deep inequality in one of the nation’s wealthiest cities
14.1%
In Nashville
Up to
About 11.9% of residents in Davidson County live in poverty, with broader city estimates reaching 14.1%
Sources: Census.gov | Community Service Society | City-Data | World Population Review
Disconnected Youth: A Shared Challenge
1 in 7 Young Americans ages 16-24 are neither in school nor working
4.17 M
Young Americans disconnected
and rising in 2024
THE COST OF DISCONNECTION
Median family income for those disconnected compared to those never disconnected
Median family income for those disconnected compared to those never disconnected
$78K
Never
disconnected
$44K
1 year
disconnected
$31K
2+ years
disconnected
NEW YORK CITY
108K
1 in 9 youth
5,830
1 in 7 youth
NASHVILLE
Would fill 3 major stadiums
Davidson County
WHO WE ARE
Providing resources and support to disconnected young people, adults and those who help them move forward is instrumental in effecting real change.
The Ready Foundation is a partnership-driven funder serving New York City and Nashville. We work with a small, carefully selected group of nonprofit organizations driving systemic change in education and economic sustainability, health and wellbeing, arts and culture, and social equity.
We don't just provide grants- we coach, advocate, and roll up our sleeves alongside our partners. We seek out established organizations with proven track records, high rates of utilization, and the capacity to scale, organizations working not only with disconnected youth and adults, but often with the families, mentors, and systems surrounding them.
The Ready Foundation draws on decades of for-profit sector experience and nonprofit partnership. We've learned that sustainable change doesn't come from spreading resources thin- it comes from deep investment, long-term relationships, and a shared commitment to breaking down barriers.
We believe that New York and Nashville can be cities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Our partners are making that vision a reality.
PRIORITY FOCUS AREAS
The Ready Foundation supports organizations working to expand access to education and economic opportunity, health and wellbeing, and arts and culture, prioritizing:
Prevention & Early Intervention
Keeping middle and high school students connected through career awareness, mentorship, and early support systems that help young people navigate challenges and identify pathways to meaningful futures.
Re-engagement & Recovery
Supporting disconnected youth, dislocated workers, and recent graduates in rebuilding momentum through comprehensive services, skills training, and pathways back to education or employment.
Workforce Development & Advancement
Creating pathways to sustainable careers through job training, placement support, college completion programs, and advancement opportunities- especially for those depending on low-wage, part-time, or gig employment.
Whole-Person Support
Addressing the interconnected needs that impact success: mental health, housing stability, creative expression, economic sustainability, and connection to community and meaning.
FOUNDERS
The creators and doers behind The Ready Foundation are Bethany and Euan Menzies, founders and principals. Drawing from decades of experience working in the for-profit sector and with non-profits since 2012, they are committed to developing and advocating for at-risk and underserved groups in New York City and Nashville, and hopefully empowering them to create healthy lives and secure successful & fulfilling careers while living in two of the greatest cities in the world.