We know that creating a more just city and state means providing direct support to New Yorkers now, and achieving big, bold policy change for the future. That’s why we use policy, advocacy, and research to advance economic and racial equity in New York City and State and bring about meaningful, structural reforms. Key issues of economic and racial equity include income security, living wages, a strong public benefits system, quality, affordable childcare and housing, education and employment opportunities, and a fair criminal justice system. However, in order to truly move towards equity, we know our work must also include structural and systemic reform.
million working-age households in New York are unable to meet basic needs.
a year falls far short of providing a family of four with the necessary resources to thrive and meet their basic needs. Unfortunately, this is the poverty threshold established by the federal government.
decrease in Federal and State funding over the last year for critical human services to children and families in NYC.
of the 125,000 human services workers are people of color, many of whom do not earn but deserve fair, livable wages.
Pervasive low wages have overwhelmed New York City’s workers. But they are also saddled with the burdens of inflation and a housing shortage that further increases New York’s housing costs. FPWA advocates for entrepreneurial, economic-boosting opportunities, transitional job programs, tax credits for working individuals, and the expansion of education and training opportunities for youth and adults who often face great barriers to gainful employment.
Our policy, advocacy, and research establishes policy priorities on an annual basis. As new issues emerge and existing ones evolve, FPWA rises to meet and address new challenges.
The policy, advocacy and research unit of FPWA executes a focused policy agenda aimed at building a city of equal opportunity that strengthens New Yorkers.
Originally launched in 2019 as the Federal Funds Tracker, FPWA’s newly updated NYC Funds Tracker monitors federal, state and city funding to New York City’s human services agencies. The interactive data tool:
In January 2024, FPWA released its new interactive dashboard to enhance transparency and understanding of NYC’s budget process.
FPWA’s NYC Funds Tracker monitors New York City’s revenue and the flow to budget expenditures. It is intended to shine a light on the fiscal workings of the city government and can be used by advocates, policy makers and anyone who wants to learn more about the city’s funding decisions.
The NYC Funds Tracker has a particular focus on the human services sector, reflecting FPWA’s mission to ensure an equitable, just, and appropriately resourced human services sector that is responsive to the needs of New Yorkers.
You can check out our new dashboard and analysis on our website here.
You can take action right now by viewing and signing one of our current petitions. Help us build a better New York for everyone.
Advocating for impactful policy alone isn’t enough to create lasting change. FPWA works through other means to create a more equitable New York.
FPWA works to strengthen our Member Agencies, non-profit and faith-based organizations.
FPWA seeks to educate communities, legislators, and the public at large to drive social change and create a more just and equitable society.
FPWA draws on the knowledge, experiences, and lessons learned on-the-ground to inform policy and systems-level change.
Have a question you can’t find the answer to here? Need to contact an FPWA Board member or an FPWA staff member? Reach out to us!
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.
