Brooklyn, NY – The New York State Black Legislative Task Force (NYSBLT), with leadership from Vice Chair Assemblymember Stefani Zinerman, proudly announces a historic $30 million investment in community-based organizations across New York State. This inaugural grant initiative will support organizations delivering critical services in underserved communities – advancing economic opportunity, public health, education, housing stability, and community safety.

This milestone is the direct result of statewide listening tours and community engagement efforts, where members of the Task Force, alongside fiscal intermediaries – including the New York Urban League, United Way of New York State, FPWA, and Elmore – met with residents, advocates, and grassroots leaders to better understand the most urgent needs facing communities across New York.

What we heard was clear:

Communities need sustained investment in the organizations they trust – those already doing the work on the ground.

This $30 million investment is our response.

“This is what it looks like when government listens and delivers,” said Assemblymember Stefani Zinerman, Vice Chair of the NYSBLT. “Through our statewide listening tour, we heard directly from communities about what they need to thrive – not just survive. We took that feedback and turned it into action. This $30 million investment is about trust, partnership, and building real pathways to opportunity across New York State.”

The funding will support a wide range of initiatives, including:

• Workforce development and career pathways
• Youth engagement and mentorship
• Violence prevention and public safety programs
• Housing support and economic development
• Mental health and wellness services

Investing in The Vibrant 56

Assemblymember Zinerman is proud to highlight organizations in the 56th Assembly District that will receive funding to expand their impact:

• Black Veterans for Social Justice — $250,000
• Children of Promise, NYC — $250,000
• Global Kids — $250,000
• The Family Center — $200,000
• Phoenix House — $200,000
• Center for Law and Social Justice @ Medgar Evers College — $185,000
• Bridge Street Development Corporation — $150,000
• Kings Against Violence Initiative (KAVI) — $150,000
• Drive Change — $100,000
• Families and Friends of the Wrongly Convicted — $100,000
• NuLeadership on Human Justice & Healing — $100,000
• RiseBoro Community Partnership — $100,000
• Digital Girl, Inc. — $25,000
• Big Apple Leadership Academy for the Arts — $25,000

“These organizations are the backbone of our communities,” added Assemblymember Zinerman. “They show up every day to serve, uplift, and create opportunity. This investment ensures they can continue—and expand—their transformative work right here in The Vibrant 56 and across our state.”

This initiative reflects the NYSBLT’s broader commitment to advancing equity through targeted investments that close opportunity gaps, strengthen community infrastructure, and support organizations with proven impact.

This is not just funding – this is a foundation for long-term impact.

For more information and a full list of awardees, please contact Dorcia Williams at ed.nysblt@gmail.com