Governor Announces More Than $6 Million In AmeriCorps Funding
Grants Will Support Community Programs Designed by 18 Non-Profit Organizations Across New York State
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that New York State has received more than $6 million in competitive AmeriCorps funding to support 18 non-profit organizations that promote children's health and education, and work to reduce poverty and expand economic opportunity in their communities. This funding was awarded by the federal Corporation for National and Community Service and is part of a $14 million initiative announced by Governor Cuomo earlier this summer.
"Eliminating poverty in New York State is a priority, and by investing in initiatives that create opportunity for economic growth, we move steadily closer to achieving that goal," said Governor Cuomo. "This funding will strengthen these agencies’ impact on the communities they serve and will help to transform the lives of New Yorkers across the state."
Awarded through a Request for Proposal process, the funding will enable the 18 non-profit organizations to implement or continue programs designed to combat poverty and reduce inequality through a number of avenues that were promoted in Governor Cuomo’s State of the State agenda. This includes working to improve academic achievement, expand access to health care services and restore urban green spaces.
Click here to view agencies receiving funding and descriptions of their programs. The New York State Commission on National & Community Service - New Yorkers Volunteer will administer the funding.
Linda Cohen, Executive Director of the NYS Commission on National and Community Service said, "The Commission is delighted to see more New Yorkers finding an avenue to economic and educational progress. AmeriCorps members do amazing work and make a significant difference in our state."
Congresswoman Louise Slaughter said, "I'm pleased to see this funding coming to Rochester to give more students and workers the tools they need to succeed in the 21st century economy. The investments in education are particularly vital since a good education helps ensure that everyone benefits from a growing economy. I’m going to continue working to give local institutions like Monroe Community College and the Urban League of Rochester the resources necessary to help put more people on the path to success."
Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez said, "These local organizations strengthen our communities by expanding economic opportunity and better meeting the health and social service needs of some of our most vulnerable neighbors. I’m pleased to see additional resources allocated to these groups, particularly agencies like Yeshiva Kehilath Yaakov, Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation and Grand Street Settlement."
About the New York State Commission on National & Community Service
The New York State Commission on National & Community Service - New Yorkers Volunteer seeks to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering in New York State. It was established in 1994 by an Executive Order of the Governor, and administers programs funded by the National Community Service Trust Act of 1993, including AmeriCorps State and AmeriCorps Education Awards programs. For more information, visit newyorkersvolunteer.ny.gov, Facebook, and Twitter @NYersVolunteer.
About AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency that engages more than five million Americans in service through AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, the Social Innovation Fund, and the Volunteer Generation Fund, and leads the President's national call to service initiative, United We Serve. Since 1994, more than 72,000 AmeriCorps members in New York State have completed more than 110 million hours of service. For more information, visit NationalService.gov.