About FPWA

FPWA is a leading anti-poverty policy and advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening human services organizations and faith institutions, and advancing economic opportunity and justice for New Yorkers with low incomes.

Since 1922, FPWA has driven groundbreaking policy reforms to better serve those in need. We work to dismantle the systemic barriers that impede economic security and well-being, and strengthen the capacity of human services agencies and faith organizations so New Yorkers with lower incomes can thrive and live with dignity.

 
children playing jump rope in city park

Vision Statement

A New York in which economic security and well-being are attainable for all.  

Mission Statement

FPWA dismantles the systemic barriers that impede economic security and well-being, and strengthens the capacity of human services agencies and faith organizations so New Yorkers with lower incomes can thrive. 

people waiting in line for bus in city

Who We Are

We work to dismantle the systemic  barriers that impede economic security and well-being, and strengthen the capacity of human services agencies and faith organizations so New Yorkers with lower incomes can thrive and live with dignity. 

Creating Groundbreaking Change

FPWA addresses the historical, structural, and institutional inequities that continue to foster cycles of poverty and prevent low-income individuals and communities of color from moving up the economic ladder. Rooted in our communities and in the corridors of power, FPWA’s policy and program work aims to dismantle systemic barriers and harmful policies and drive large-scale policy change to promote economic opportunity and inclusion for low- income communities

3 women in fpwa conference discussion
2 happy men embracing

Supporting Nonprofits from the Ground Up

Millions of New Yorkers struggle to meet basic needs every day. Nonprofits and faith institutions are often the first line of defense in combatting poverty by providing critical services to our hardest-to-reach residents. FPWA provides a range of financial assistance grants through its member network of 170 human services agencies and faith-based institutions. These cash grants allow FPWA to provide direct support for low-income New Yorkers struggling to meet basic needs.

Strengthening Individuals and Families

FPWA works to strengthen the capacity of human service agencies and faith institutions through workshops and trainings in leadership development, organizational management, and civic engagement. In equipping agency leadership and staff with the skills and tools to empower their communities, FPWA inspires change and helps lead critical conversations centered on advocacy and equity.

happy young african american mother hugging child
vintage mother and child smiling

Our History

Based on the concept of the Good Samaritan, our roots are in the care and well-being of Protestant children and their communities. Helping families not just get by, but thrive, is part of our rich history, and through the years, we have built on this work.

January 1, 2023

1920s

FPWA was founded in 1922 when the number of homeless children without guardianship in the city became a crisis. Few organizations existed to address the situation and their efforts were disjointed. Black and brown children had few places to go. Our founders rallied to the need, supporting programs for these children and providing a unifying voice for others working in the community.

Our Team

At FPWA our values are grounded in four core principles: community, compassion, justice and equity, and integrity. We recognize that every member of our team plays a vital role in carrying out the mission of the organization by working hard and smart, being a good community member, and contributing to a collaborative, positive, and healthy environment in which we can all succeed.

Stay alert to Grant Scams & Fraud

Have you or someone you know been contacted by someone posing to be an “FPWA Agent” or staff person requesting money to release a grant?

Fulfilling the
Promise of
Opportunity

FPWA has recently been receiving claims from members of the public emailing and calling our offices that individuals posing as FPWA agents have contacted them claiming that in order for the recipient to claim grant monies from FPWA they must first send the agent personal information, a cell phone number, gift card codes or money.

FPWA does not use social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.), text messages or direct phone contact to solicit, review, or make awards. FPWA staff will not call or message you requesting money in order to be eligible for an award.

Further, FPWA does not make grants directly to individuals. FPWA works with its member agency partners and other reputable community-based organizations to direct support to families and individuals in our community.

If you or someone you know has been contacted by someone posing to be an “FPWA Agent” or staff person requesting money to release a grant, please do the following:

If you have questions prior to reporting your incident, view the IC3 FAQs for more information.

Learn more about Facebook Scams from the BBB

NYC Funds Tracker Dashboard and Analysis

The interactive open data dashboard helps you visualize and track the city budget, with a specific focus on the critical human services funding we rely on.

Don’t forget to also check out our new analysis