FAQs
Return to the Pocantico Center
Pocantico Center
What is the Pocantico Center?
The Pocantico Center furthers the missions and reflects the values of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund and the National Trust for Historical Preservation. Its conference center provides a setting where nonprofit organizations and public-sector institutions can engage critical issues that reflect the Fund’s programmatic interests, and which lead to new levels of understanding and creative resolutions. About 60 conferences, meetings, and public programs are held annually at Pocantico.
Another focus of the Pocantico Center is to share the Rockefeller family story, the historic sites and art collections, and the beauty and biodiversity of the property with the public, including the neighboring community. These goals are achieved through Pocantico’s Public and Stewardship programs.
Are tours provided at Pocantico?
Yes. Public access to the property and Kykuit, the historic Rockefeller family home, is operated on behalf of the Fund by Historic Hudson Valley. Tours are conducted between early May and early November.
What public programs does The Pocantico Center offer?
For a description of each public program, visit the Public Programs section of this Web site.
How do I apply to use the Pocantico Center?
Applicants should submit the online application form as requested. If your application is taken up for consideration, you may be asked to provide additional information about your organization or proposed meeting. Please do not hesitate to call the Pocantico Center staff at (914) 524-6500 if you have any questions.
If you need to return to a previously saved Pocantico application, click here.
What types of conference programs are eligible to use the Pocantico Center?
Nonprofit organizations and public sector institutions, both domestic and foreign, are eligible to apply. If yours is a domestic organization it must have a 501(c)(3) status. In all cases, the objectives of the proposed meeting must be consistent with the program interests of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund. Applications for annual or routine organizational meetings, or for fundraising events, are not eligible for consideration. Please review the RBF Program Statement and Guidelines.
My conference program application has been accepted and I am beginning to plan my conference. What services are offered by the Pocantico Center?
Wireless high-speed Internet is available in the entire Coach Barn (Conference Center) building as well as on the bedroom floors at Kykuit. The center is well-equipped with audio-visual equipment, fax machines, and computers (IBM-compatible) for use by meeting participants, the center also provides facilities for simultaneous translation. Secretarial services are generally provided by meeting organizers.
Guests are lodged on the second floor of the Coach Barn and on the third and fourth floors of Kykuit. All accommodations have a private bath. Hair dryers are also provided in each bedroom and adapters for electric razors are available upon request. Electrical service is 115 volts/60 cycles.
Each bedroom at the Coach Barn and Kykuit also have a private telephone number with voice mail, and phone calls may be received 24 hours a day. During conference sessions messages will be taken by the center's staff at 914.524.6500. Facsimile messages may be sent during normal business hours from the conference center. Faxes are received 24 hours a day at 914.524.6550 and distributed as promptly as possible. Computers are available for the use of conferees in the business center of the conference center with IBM-compatible machines, as well as commonly used word-processing, presentation, spreadsheet programs and high-speed Internet access. Please note, however, that computer assistance is not available.
What measures does the Pocantico Center take to practice sustainability?
The Pocantico staff is committed to incorporating responsible environmental practices in all aspects of its operation. Green initiatives at Pocantico to date include renewable energy, through the purchase of 100 percent wind-generated electricity; the use of green cleaning products; a recycling program; and the option for towel and linen reuse.
It is a goal to incorporate sustainable building practices in ongoing maintenance and capital improvement projects and we endeavor to serve sustainable seafood and locally grown food.
In addition, a portion of the conference fees are utilized to acquire Green Tags [Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)] from NativeEnergy to offset greenhouse gas emissions associated with conference attendees' travel to/from the Pocantico Center. This purchase will be dedicated to help finance new wind farm projects in the United States.
Close-Up
Ryotaro Harada, the Japanese founder of Joy in Action, has found inspiring examples of resilience among people who have been affected by Hansen's disease, who often live in segregated villages in China, ignored by the rest of society.