Small Businesses in NYC Receive $400,000 in Microgrants from Citizens Committee for New York City
One of nation’s oldest micro-funding organizations backs neighborhood businesses most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic
NEW YORK – Citizens Committee for New York City (CitizensNYC) announced today the organization awarded nearly $400,000 to 50 small businesses throughout the city in 2020, in an effort to help local business owners recover from the devastating events of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The organization decided to expand it’s grant-making initiatives by launching its neighborhood business grant program when New York City was at the epicenter of the pandemic, in order to help neighborhood businesses who were experiencing financial distress stay afloat. The program prioritized businesses owned by people of color, women, and immigrants.
Local businesses in need received grants of up to $10,000 to help maintain payroll and operations. Awards include:
● 28 neighborhood business grant awards with a total grant amount of $205,500
● 22 west side small business grant awards (a partnership with the West Side Community Fund) with a total grant amount of nearly $190,000
In 2020, CitizensNYC provided 402 projects with nearly $1.2M in direct cash grants, impacting more than 87,685 residents in 122 neighborhoods across all five boroughs.
A new report recently released by the organization revealed two-thirds of neighborhood business applicants came from women-owned businesses and the majority of applicants self-identified as a person of color, with more than half of applicants coming from first or second generation households. The organization also found that many NYC business owners are pivoting during this time in order to help keep essential services afloat for example, education and child care services, the arts, local restaurants, retail, and wellness and beauty services.
“We are working to support our neighbors who have been most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. From Queensbridge to Far Rockaway and the South Bronx, we recognize the disparities that our underserved communities face, but we also believe in people power and that we are more than capable of rebuilding our city again,” said Dr. Rahsaan Harris, CEO of Citizens Committee for New York City.
CitizensNYC looks to continue to support and expand its network of more than 15,000 community leaders who, often at a moment's notice, are ready to roll up their sleeves and take action. The organization plans to open grant applications again in early 2021.
About Citizen Committee for New York City:
Citizens Committee for New York City’s mission is to help New Yorkers - especially those in low-income areas - come together and improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods. Residents are uniquely situated to define and act on the issues affecting their communities. When provided with modest support, neighborhood and school groups can effectively mobilize with the assistance of grants, skills-building workshops, project planning assistance and an equipment share library. In 2020, CitizensNYC provided 402 projects with nearly $1.2M in direct cash grants, impacting more than 87,685 residents in 122 neighborhoods across all five boroughs. Since 1975, we have promoted the spirit of volunteerism, local engagement, and social justice that drives our work. Go to citizensnyc.org to learn more.
Additional Information:
Webpage: https://www.citizensnyc.org/
Social Media: Twitter @citizensnyc | Instagram @citizenscommittee | Facebook.com/citizensnyc