FPWA leads and co-leads a number of advocacy coalitions and task forces with our member agencies and community partners to engage in strategic policy advocacy work. Join us in unified action to address the root problems of critical issues.
FPWA leads the New York Cash Assistance Narratives Network (CANN), a statewide coalition dedicated to strengthening New York’s cash assistance programs and improving the lives of New Yorkers in need. The focus of the Network’s advocacy is to create opportunities for directly-impacted people to share their experience; raise awareness about both the importance of cash assistance as well as the flaws in the existing program; and change the narrative around who “deserves” assistance. In doing so, we hope to transform the program into one that promotes equity and helps recipients achieve their goals.
In October of 2024, CANN released the report: “Rewriting the Story: Lived experiences of New Yorkers receiving cash assistance”. You can learn more about the new report here.
We are seeking participants for a paid interview to discuss their experiences with cash assistance to aid our advocacy for a better program.
If you are a current or former recipient of cash assistance (Family Assistance or Safety Net Assistance; also referred to as “public assistance” or “welfare”) and interested in participating, fill out a brief form below (available in English, Spanish, Simplified and Traditional Chinese).
Your gift – at any amount – will ensure that FPWA is able to continue meeting the challenges faced by so many, and to help make New York City a fair and equitable community where all can thrive.
FPWA Members are strengthened with expanded organizational capacity to serve their communities and have access to an extended network of policymakers, legislators, and related communities. Discover More Reasons to Join Today!
Our eye-opening analysis rings the alarm of inequality in our nation. This comprehensive analysis delves into key indicators of education, healthcare, wages, jobs, and voting rights, painting a stark picture of systemic barriers still faced by Black and Brown Americans.
We offer capacity building and implicit bias supports to human services organizations to better meet the needs of communities.
FPWA is anti-poverty policy and advocacy organization committed to advancing economic opportunity, justice, and upward mobility 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.
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
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.
