The Mackey Foundation is dedicated to empowering students and families through educational support, community programs, and lasting opportunities for growth.
The Warren and Denyse Mackey Foundation is dedicated to honoring the life and legacy of Warren A. Mackey—a devoted husband, father, mentor, and community leader. Known for his warm tenor voice, love of basketball, and heart for people, Warren inspired those around him through his faith, compassion, and generosity.
After a brave battle with heart disease, Warren passed away in 2021 while awaiting a heart transplant. Due to the complex requirements for a donor match—especially as an African American male with O blood type and above-average size—his chances were significantly limited. His experience underscores the urgent need for more organ donors, particularly within communities of color.
Through scholarships, youth programs, and the Heart of Hope Wellness Campaign—which has already saved lives through early detection—the Foundation continues Warren’s mission to serve, uplift, and empower. Please consider registering as an organ donor and help save lives.
The Warren & Denyse Mackey Foundation is rooted in a mission of compassion and community. Through scholarships, health awareness, and youth programs, we create pathways to opportunity for underserved populations.
The fund provides tuition assistance for African American girls attending the Academy of the Holy Names, as well as college-bound African American students graduating from the Capital District, helping to ease the financial burden of pursuing higher education.
The Foundation’s mission is to support youth through education, athletics, faith-based programs, and mentorship. We prioritize organizations serving under-resourced communities, with a special focus on women and children facing marginalization due to abuse, neglect, or other social challenges.
As a colon cancer survivor and BRCA1 warrior, Denyse Mackey’s journey fuels our mission. The Foundation champions wellness, heart health, and cancer screening—especially in the African American community. We take action by providing life-saving resources, raising awareness about genetic risks, and partnering with organizations to support families facing health challenges head-on.
In recognition of his lasting impact on the community, a portion of Livingston Avenue at the intersection of Lark Street has been renamed Warren A. Mackey Way. This tribute, led by 5th Ward Councilman Jahmel K. Robinson, with support from 4th Ward Councilman Kelly Kimbrough and community leader Gertrude Love, stands as a powerful reminder of Warren’s enduring legacy of service, mentorship, and love for his community.
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan officially declared February 1st as “Warren Mackey Day” in the City of Albany. She personally read the proclamation while paying her respects at Warren’s burial, honoring his lasting impact on the community.
Learn how you can make a difference through our mission-driven work.
Reboot Youth Workshop is a free summer tech program for students entering grades 6–12, proudly sponsored by The Mackey Foundation and hosted by The Connect Center for Youth. Held at 49 Johnston Ave in Cohoes, the workshop runs August 4–8 and August 18–22 from 12–3 PM, with limited spots each week. Students will learn beginner coding with Scratch, design games, build characters, and take home their own computer.
The Warren & Denyse Mackey Foundation is proud to sponsor a special week at Metropolitan Community Group Youth Summer Camp, taking place July 21–25. Campers ages 4–13 will enjoy a week of fun-filled programming, including exciting trips to the Utica Zoo and the Basketball Hall of Fame. Weekly tuition is $125, and only 30 spots
The Warren & Denyse Mackey Foundation is proud to sponsor a special Girls Empowerment session from July 21–25, 2025. During this week, campers will enjoy all core camp activities in the Metropolitan Community Group Youth Summer Camp, plus have a half day session to learn how to braid hair! This is a great skill to learn for self confidence, black beauty and economic empowerment!
July 7 -July 10 2025 – Join Hood’s House of Hoops for an exciting Youth Summer Basketball Camp—proudly sponsored by The Mackey Foundation! Open to boys and girls ages 5–12, the camp takes place at 340 First Street in Albany, NY. Camp runs from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with check-in and breakfast beginning at 8:30 AM. Come learn the game, build confidence, and have fun in a safe, supportive environment!
July 14 -July 18 2025 – Join Coach Dwayne Killings at the SUNY Youth Summer Basketball Camp—held at the Broadview Center and proudly sponsored by The Mackey Foundation! Open to boys and girls ages 5–12 (who haven’t completed 7th grade), this full-day camp runs from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM, with check-in starting at 8:30 AM. Come build skills, make friends, and have fun on the court!
This program offers students in grades 3–8 a unique opportunity to connect with caring adult mentors who support academic achievement, confidence-building, and life skills.
This free program meets weekly at neighborhood locations across Albany. Students enjoy one-on-one mentorship, fun enrichment activities, and the chance to build positive, lasting relationships.
