Immigration
New York Community Trust and Robin Hood Foundation to invest $4 million in nonprofit migrant services
Both organizations have partnered to create the “Funds for the Newest New Yorkers.”
A bus with migrants from the southern border arrives at New York City’s Port Authority Bus Terminal. Fatih Aktas/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
The New York Community Trust and Robin Hood Foundation, two of the largest philanthropic entities in New York City, have partnered to invest $4 million in nonprofit organizations working to create economic inclusion and mobility of migrants arriving in New York. The new philanthropic initiative, known as the “Funds for the Newest New Yorkers,” will seek out participants through an open request for proposals process.
The fund was created in response to the influx of more than 200,000 migrant arrivals in New York City since the spring of 2022. The fund’s advisory board will include representatives from the offices of the mayor, the comptroller’s office, and the governor’s office, as well as those from the Trust, Robin Hood, UJA Federation, Ford Foundation, and Trinity Church Wall Street Philanthropies.
“The Funds for the Newest New Yorkers are not just about financial support but are catalyzing a new infrastructure to aid the nonprofits and governmental agencies on the frontlines of social service delivery in a way that neither can accomplish alone,” said Emary Aronson, chief knowledge officer and senior advisor to the CEO at Robin Hood, New York.
“Long after this crisis recedes, we hope this work will influence future public funding design and decisions to strengthen the sector and our response mode to newcomers in need. Immigrants helped to make our city what it is today,” Aronson added. “They are valued members of our community and we must ensure that structures remain in place to aid their resiliency, enabling them to thrive because New York must always be a beacon of hope and opportunity.”
The initiative will focus on funding legal services, case management, stability (which includes essential services that are needed to integrate into the workforce) and coordination (which is meant to support nonprofits’ infrastructure and better facilitate coordination with government agencies and partners).
The Trust has previously invested in initiatives to support New York City’s immigrants through the Fund for New Citizens, bringing their total investment of $27 million to date. Robin Hood has also funded efforts to improve the lives of immigrants through an investment of over $12 million.
“The launch of the Newest New Yorkers funds demonstrates how the public and philanthropic sectors can effectively come together to support our city’s nonprofits and New Yorkers in need,” said Meaghan Brown, New York City’s chief of external affairs. “This fund is not only a response to the urgent needs of asylum seekers and migrants but is also a proactive investment in the future of our city and a model for cross-sector collaboration. Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive New York City for all.”
Nonprofit organizations interested in submitting an RFP have until September 16, 2024.