New York City to boost pay for nonprofit workers during pandemic

New York City officials have committed to reimbursing nonprofits for the cost of increased pay for staff responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, NBC New York reports. 

Human services organizations – particularly those operating residential programs – have been expressing concerns about their ability to retain staff during the crisis. Some employees earn wages only slightly above minimum wage and may not have regular access to personal protective equipment, which nonprofits have struggled to access. Nonprofits have reported in the past several days that the city has denied requests to provide staff increased pay so they can stay in their roles. 

City officials are now asking each agency to develop a new residential response and staffing plan for the duration of the coronavirus outbreak, which may be reimbursed by the federal government. 

This is the latest piece of guidance from New York City government designed to provide nonprofits on the frontline some financial flexibility. It will also reimburse nonprofits for coronavirus-related expenses, such as acquiring masks and hand sanitizer or operating programs with increased demand.