Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City Announces New Grants Available Through Nonprofit Recovery Loan Program for NYC Nonprofits Impacted by Hurricane Sandy

New York, NY:  March 26, 2013. The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City announces additional resources available to support New York City’s nonprofit organizations in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. With support from the Mayor’s Fund, nonprofits impacted by the storm are now eligible to apply for grants, in addition to loans, through the NYC Nonprofit Recovery Loan Program launched in November. The program will utilize some of the $10 million committed by the Mayor’s Fund for grants up to $333,000 to eligible nonprofit organizations serving New York City residents.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy our partners in the nonprofit community sprang to action to help our most affected communities, going above and beyond to help their fellow New Yorkers,” said Deputy Mayor Linda Gibbs. “We thank the Mayor’s Fund for recognizing that this innovative funding stream of grants and loans can address the many financial needs of nonprofit organizations, allowing them to serve their communities while continuing to innovate and adapt even during the most challenging times.”

“We remain committed to supporting nonprofit organizations that provide invaluable services to New Yorkers,” said Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City President Megan Sheekey. “We are grateful to our donors for making this program and its reach possible.”

“New York City’s nonprofit community is central to the quality of life and identity of neighborhoods throughout the five boroughs,” said Cultural Affairs Commissioner Kate D. Levin. “Through this grant program we hope to provide much needed relief to organizations impacted by Hurricane Sandy, helping them to restore their facilities so that they can continue creating the dynamic programs that make the City an extraordinary place to live, work, play and visit.”

Nonprofit organizations that have suffered structural damages and have applied to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be considered for grants of up to $333,000. Eligible groups who received losses up to $1 million can receive a grant of one third of the documented costs. Additionally, groups that have tangible losses including lost furnishings, equipment and supplies that are not covered by FEMA or insurance will be considered for grants, not tied to loans, up to $100,000. To apply, visit www.fcny.org.

“New York City’s diverse communities are reliant on our local nonprofit organizations to provide an array of essential services,” said Fund for the City of New York President Mary McCormick. “We are pleased to play a role in supporting and keeping these groups strong.”

Immediately after a disaster like Hurricane Sandy, when new services are needed, the City turns to its nonprofits for help. At the request of city, state, and federal government agencies – and on their own – these nonprofits provide the particular services most needed by the communities they serve after a disaster. The grants will build on the City’s strong commitment to support and strengthen the nonprofit sector. A range of resources for nonprofit organizations are available at
www.nyc.gov/nonprofit

Additionally, the Mayor’s Fund partnered with Lawyers Alliance of New York to provide pro-bono legal assistance to these nonprofits throughout the recovery process. Lawyers Alliance is the leading provider of business and transactional legal services for nonprofit organizations in NYC neighborhoods. In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, Lawyers Alliance revived its Disaster Relief initiative to represent www.nyc.gov/nonprofit and provide legal information to New York nonprofits both impacted by the storm and responding to the storm. The City and 311 have been referring nonprofits to the Lawyers Alliance since the storm. The organization will continue to provide assistance to nonprofits and will also assist with nonprofit legal questions relating to the Nonprofit Recovery Loan Program.

The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to innovative public-private partnerships throughout NYC’s five boroughs. One hundred percent of donations in response to Hurricane Sandy are being dispersed to relief and recovery efforts and organizations. In the immediate aftermath of the storm, contributions helped to support the supply and transport of emergency needs including hot food, toiletries, baby supplies, cleaning materials, warm clothing and medications for New Yorkers. The Mayor’s Fund is now focused on longer-term rebuilding and restoration efforts, including sponsoring a network of housing counselors and legal service providers to help residents, mold awareness trainings and treatment in homes, and programs for nonprofit organizations and local businesses affected by the hurricane. For more information go to www.nyc.gov/fund and follow the Fund on Twitter @NYCMayorsFund.

Contact: Evelyn Erskine / (212) 788-2958