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Fund for the City of New York Inc

Annual Giving
$2.0M
Grant Range
Up to $1.2M

Fund for the City of New York Inc

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,975,396 (2024)
  • Total Grants Awarded: 33 (2024), 32 (2023)
  • Geographic Focus: New York City only
  • Founded: 1968 by the Ford Foundation
  • EIN: 13-2612524

Contact Details

Address: 121 Avenue of the Americas, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10013
Phone: (212) 925-6675
Email: info@fcny.org
Website: https://www.fcny.org

Overview

The Fund for the City of New York (FCNY) was established by the Ford Foundation in 1968 with the mandate to improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers. For over five decades, the organization has collaborated with government agencies, nonprofit institutions, and foundations to develop and facilitate innovations in policy, programs, and practices that advance the functioning of government and nonprofit organizations. Current President Lisette Nieves, Ed.D., assumed leadership in 2020 following Mary McCormick's 30-year tenure. FCNY operates through three divisions: Fund for the City of New York (local initiatives), National Center for Civic Innovation (nationwide programs), and International Institute for Community Solutions (global expansion). The organization is unique in combining direct grant-making with extensive support services including fiscal sponsorship for over 80 Partner Projects nationally and interest-free loan programs that have provided over $1.76 billion in bridge financing since 1976.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

FCNY's grant-making focuses on organizations operating in New York City, primarily supporting:

  • Arts Organizations: Multi-year support for cultural programming
  • Youth Programs: Education and development initiatives
  • Schools and Educational Institutions: STEM education and innovative teaching
  • Partner Project Grants: Support for fiscally sponsored organizations

Notable Grant Example: In 2018, FCNY awarded $1,180,000 to Columbia University Medical Center, representing one of their largest grants.

Priority Areas

  • Government innovation and civic technology
  • Public service excellence and recognition
  • Nonprofit capacity building
  • Youth development and media literacy
  • Urban planning and community development
  • STEM education in New York City public schools
  • Mental health services for low-income communities

What They Don't Fund

  • Individuals for academic studies, scholarships, or fellowships
  • Endowment campaigns
  • Capital campaigns (except through specific loan programs)
  • Organizations operating outside New York City
  • For-profit entities

Governance and Leadership

President: Lisette Nieves, Ed.D. (appointed 2020)
Upon her appointment, President Nieves stated: "I thank Mary for her leadership in building an institution that has and will continue to make a positive impact on this great city. I look forward to continuing and expanding the important work of the Fund."

Former President: Mary McCormick (1990-2020, 30-year tenure)
McCormick joined the Fund in 1981 and oversaw significant expansion including the Partner Project Program and scaling of the Cash Flow Loan Program.

Board Members include Robert Abrams, partner at Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP and former New York State Attorney General (1979-1993).

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process for general grant seekers. Most grants are awarded to partner organizations already working with FCNY through their fiscal sponsorship program or organizations identified through existing relationships with government agencies and foundations.

FCNY primarily operates through:

  1. Fiscal Sponsorship: Organizations become Partner Projects receiving administrative support and potential grant funding
  2. Invitation-Based Grants: Trustees identify and invite organizations aligned with strategic priorities
  3. Collaborative Initiatives: Grants emerge from partnerships with government agencies and other foundations

For organizations seeking loan financing (not grants), FCNY offers:

  • Returnable Grant Fund (RGF): Interest-free, fee-free loans for nonprofits with NYC contracts
  • Operating Loan Fund: Bridge financing with 2% one-time service fee
  • Cultural Arts Capital Loan Fund: For small to mid-sized cultural organizations with 2% service fee

Loan applications are processed through contracting agencies for RGF, or directly to FCNY for other programs, with typical approval within 3-5 business days.

Getting on Their Radar

Partner Project Program: The most direct pathway to FCNY funding is becoming a fiscally sponsored Partner Project. The program currently supports over 80 nonprofit organizations nationally, providing financial management services, HR functions, insurance coverage, and access to grants. Organizations interested in fiscal sponsorship should contact FCNY directly at info@fcny.org to inquire about eligibility and availability.

Specific FCNY Approaches:

  • FCNY identifies potential partners through their work with NYC government agencies and established foundations
  • The organization has documented relationships with MacArthur Foundation, New York Health Foundation, and Altman Foundation for collaborative grant-making
  • Organizations working on civic innovation, government improvement, or public service excellence align with FCNY's core mission
  • Current Partner Projects include American Geographical Society, The LAMP (Learning About Multimedia Project), and New Yorkers United for Child Care

Decision Timeline

Not applicable for general grant applications. For Partner Projects and invited organizations, timelines vary based on trustee meeting schedules and collaborative funder requirements.

Application Success Factors

Since FCNY does not accept unsolicited grant applications, success factors relate to positioning for fiscal sponsorship or invitation:

For Partner Project Consideration:

  • NYC Focus: Exclusive geographic requirement - must operate in or serve New York City
  • Alignment with Mission: Projects advancing civic innovation, public service, or government effectiveness
  • Capacity Needs: Start-up organizations or established nonprofits needing administrative infrastructure benefit most from Partner Project model
  • Collaborative Approach: FCNY values partnerships with government agencies and other foundations

Successful Partner Project Examples:

  • The LAMP provides youth media literacy programming, aligning with FCNY's education priorities
  • American Geographical Society advances geographic knowledge across sectors
  • Center for Court Innovation (supported via MacArthur Foundation partnership) works on justice system improvement

FCNY's Documented Preferences:

  • Innovation in public service delivery
  • Measurable impact on New York City communities
  • Sustainability through diverse funding sources (fiscal sponsorship model helps organizations fundraise independently)
  • Willingness to collaborate with government agencies

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No Public Application Process: FCNY does not accept unsolicited grant proposals; most grants flow to Partner Projects or invited organizations
  • Fiscal Sponsorship as Primary Pathway: Becoming a Partner Project provides access to FCNY's grants, administrative support, and credibility
  • NYC Geographic Restriction: Absolute requirement for all grant recipients to operate in New York City
  • Dual Model Understanding: FCNY operates both as a grant-maker and service provider - their loan programs serve 400+ organizations annually while grants go to ~33 organizations
  • Government Partnership Focus: Organizations working collaboratively with NYC agencies or addressing government innovation align best with FCNY's mission
  • Long-Term Relationship Building: With 30+ year leadership tenures and 50+ year history, FCNY values sustained partnerships over transactional grants
  • Alternative Funding Available: Even if grants aren't accessible, FCNY's interest-free loan programs provide critical bridge financing for NYC nonprofits with government contracts

References

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