The decreased allocation of funds to NASA programs was reported in the press as early as Feb. 13, lowering available funds for planetary science programs that support Mars exploration and missions to outer planets in the Solar System.

FORBES: NASA, Got Space Exploration? Get Goals, Get Funding and Get Uhura.

SETI's search for intelligent life in outer space may be on ice for the time being, but the search for alien planets that may possibly support life of some sort is now being bolstered by a number of new efforts.

ENGADGET: ExoPlanetSat nanosatellite to begin search for alien worlds next year

One part of the endowment focuses on community development work, mostly in the outer boroughs, such as job training, nonprofit real estate development, the Freelancers Union health care program and support for food businesses from artisanal food companies arising in Brooklyn to larger food processing plants that provide employment.

FORBES: The Partnership For New York - Prompted by Henry Kravis - Spurs Innovation