FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 18, 2017
CONTACT:
Cristian Salazar, 646-786-0898, cristian.salazar@cnycn.org

NYC-based Community Progress Maker Joins Leading Nonprofit Organizations Across the United States to Address Urban Challenges Ranging from Affordable Housing to Environmental Sustainability and Infrastructure

NEW YORK, N.Y. – The Center for NYC Neighborhoods announced today that it has been selected as a recipient of the Community Progress Makers Fund, a $20 million grant initiative to support 40 visionary nonprofit organizations in their efforts to establish new approaches to long-standing urban economic challenges in the United States – including economic development, environment sustainability, urban infrastructure, and affordable housing.

As part of the program, the Center will receive a core operating support grant of $500,000 over the course of two years to support existing and emerging projects in collaboration with partner organizations in the five boroughs united around the common mission of protecting affordable homeownership. This new injection of funds will help bolster existing initiatives while allowing the Center to develop new resources to preserve and promote affordable homeownership. In addition to the grant, the Center will also have access to technical assistance from leading national researchers and experts and will be provided opportunities to connect with other grantees to share and learn best practices.

“The Center is honored to be selected as a Community Progress Maker,” said Christie Peale, Executive Director of the Center for NYC Neighborhoods. “This support will allow the Center to expand its services and to create new homeownership opportunities for middle- and working-class families in New York City. Investing in affordable homeownership is an investment in a more equitable, thriving city.”

“The Citi Foundation feels privileged to support organizations that have demonstrated such strong commitments to their local communities and a willingness to share their experiences with others for the betterment of their neighborhoods,” said Brandee McHale, President of the Citi Foundation. “These organizations have a track record of implementing solutions that work for their communities because they know the people there, understand what resources to tap and, most importantly, feel deeply invested in the places where they live and work. We believe that’s the key to leading urban transformation efforts in New York City and elsewhere across the country.”

The Community Progress Makers Fund builds upon the Citi Foundation’s commitment to identify and support innovative solutions and organizations that are helping build stronger, more resilient cities that are engines of economic opportunity for all.  The flexibility of core operating support will allow organizations and their visionary leaders to deploy solutions that address a range of issues.

###

 

About the Center for NYC Neighborhoods
The Center for NYC Neighborhoods promotes and protects affordable homeownership in New York so that middle- and working-class families are able to build strong, thriving communities. Established by public and private partners, the Center meets the diverse needs of homeowners throughout New York State by offering free, high quality housing services. Visit www.cnycn.org for more information.
About the Citi Foundation
The Citi Foundation works to promote economic progress and improve the lives of people in low-income communities around the world. We invest in efforts that increase financial inclusion, catalyze job opportunities for youth, and reimagine approaches to building economically vibrant cities. The Citi Foundation’s “More than Philanthropy” approach leverages the enormous expertise of Citi and its people to fulfill our mission and drive thought leadership and innovation. For more information, visit www.citifoundation.com.