New York City's non-profit organizations are bracing for further federal funding cuts despite already scaling back services and programs in response to previous reductions. The latest report from the Center for an Urban Future paints a dire picture of the city's social service sector, which is facing significant challenges due to budget constraints.
Federal funding cuts have led to a 10 million-pound decrease in food assistance this year alone, as organizations like the Food Bank for New York City struggle to meet demand. The Children's Aid organization has also eliminated a program that provided weekly meals to 1,000 people, while BronxWorks has cut cooking classes due to reduced resources.
Layoffs and program closures are becoming increasingly common among non-profits in the city, with organizations like SAGE laying off 19 staff members and ending a vital program for LGBTQ+ older adults. The administration's decision to reduce funding for programs such as AmeriCorps, which helps non-profits pay volunteers, is also having a significant impact.
While administration officials claim their cuts are aimed at reducing waste, fraud, and abuse, critics argue that the real effect will be devastating for those who rely on these services. Jonathan Bowles, executive director of the Center for an Urban Future, warns that "the worst is yet to come" and that deeper cuts are expected to hit by 2026 and 2027.
These cuts will disproportionately affect organizations that rely heavily on federal funding, with nearly a third of their budgets coming from these sources. Bowles fears that some non-profits may be forced to shut their doors due to the financial strain.
The city's right to shelter law, which ensures a bed for anyone who asks for one, is at risk due to new work requirements and mandatory treatment programs. This could push thousands off Medicaid, leaving organizations without reimbursement and further exacerbating the crisis.
The Trump administration has announced plans to cut two-thirds of funding for long-term housing programs in January, replacing them with grants that come with strict conditions, including mandatory treatment and work requirements. Critics argue that this move will drive up costs, reduce services, and push vulnerable populations onto the streets.
Eric Rosenbaum, president and CEO of Project Renewal, a provider of shelter and supportive housing, believes that the irony is that the way in which we care for these individuals is actually keeping New York safer. However, he also warns that organizations are becoming increasingly concerned about potential reductions in services, including the Jericho Project's 75-unit building for veterans.
The report highlights the need for a nonprofit stabilization fund to help cover urgent needs around food, shelter, and healthcare. As non-profits continue to scale back services, it is clear that more support is needed to protect these critical safety nets.
Federal funding cuts have led to a 10 million-pound decrease in food assistance this year alone, as organizations like the Food Bank for New York City struggle to meet demand. The Children's Aid organization has also eliminated a program that provided weekly meals to 1,000 people, while BronxWorks has cut cooking classes due to reduced resources.
Layoffs and program closures are becoming increasingly common among non-profits in the city, with organizations like SAGE laying off 19 staff members and ending a vital program for LGBTQ+ older adults. The administration's decision to reduce funding for programs such as AmeriCorps, which helps non-profits pay volunteers, is also having a significant impact.
While administration officials claim their cuts are aimed at reducing waste, fraud, and abuse, critics argue that the real effect will be devastating for those who rely on these services. Jonathan Bowles, executive director of the Center for an Urban Future, warns that "the worst is yet to come" and that deeper cuts are expected to hit by 2026 and 2027.
These cuts will disproportionately affect organizations that rely heavily on federal funding, with nearly a third of their budgets coming from these sources. Bowles fears that some non-profits may be forced to shut their doors due to the financial strain.
The city's right to shelter law, which ensures a bed for anyone who asks for one, is at risk due to new work requirements and mandatory treatment programs. This could push thousands off Medicaid, leaving organizations without reimbursement and further exacerbating the crisis.
The Trump administration has announced plans to cut two-thirds of funding for long-term housing programs in January, replacing them with grants that come with strict conditions, including mandatory treatment and work requirements. Critics argue that this move will drive up costs, reduce services, and push vulnerable populations onto the streets.
Eric Rosenbaum, president and CEO of Project Renewal, a provider of shelter and supportive housing, believes that the irony is that the way in which we care for these individuals is actually keeping New York safer. However, he also warns that organizations are becoming increasingly concerned about potential reductions in services, including the Jericho Project's 75-unit building for veterans.
The report highlights the need for a nonprofit stabilization fund to help cover urgent needs around food, shelter, and healthcare. As non-profits continue to scale back services, it is clear that more support is needed to protect these critical safety nets.
. I've got kids in school who rely on programs like AmeriCorps for volunteering opportunities, and if those get cut, what's gonna happen? 
They're already struggling with poverty and food insecurity in NYC... a 10 million-pound decrease in food assistance is huge 
. It's just not fair that they're gonna be the ones who suffer because of budget cuts 
.
. We need a solution, like that nonprofit stabilization fund, to keep these orgs afloat 
. It's not just about numbers and funding; it's about people's lives 
.
.
. I mean, I get that the government needs to balance the books but 10 million-pound cuts in food assistance is insane! It's like they're not even considering the impact on people who need help the most. I feel so bad for organizations like Food Bank and SAGE, they're already stretched thin and now they're having to lay off staff? 
Non-profits in NYC are getting slammed with cuts 
Food assistance is down by 10 million pounds 
It's like they're cutting the lifeblood out of these vital services 
The city's right to shelter law is at risk too 
What's going on here? 
these cuts r insane!!! 10 million pounds less in food assistance already? what r they even doin?! 
this is getting crazy, fam... I know some ppl are saying the admin is just trying to cut waste but I think they're being super unfair to all these orgs tryna help people. like, food bank for NYC already reduced their services and now they gotta lay off staff? that's devastating 
cuz this is really scary stuff. and can we talk about how vulnerable populations are already getting pushed around? shelter law at risk, work requirements... it's like they're trying to make things worse 
.