About the Fund

Mission & Vision

The Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City cultivates partnerships that combine the incomparable reach of government with the entrepreneurial spirit of the private sector to create a stronger and more just city for all New Yorkers.

How We Work

The Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization working with 50 City agencies and offices, 300 institutional funders, and 100 community-based partners.

The Mayor's Fund and its partners advance initiatives that improve the lives of New Yorkers from all walks of life and across all five boroughs. In particular, the Mayor's Fund has made strategic investments to promote mental health services for all New Yorkers, increase workforce development opportunities for young New Yorkers, and meet the needs of New York City's diverse immigrant community.

The Mayor's Fund governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the Mayor. In addition, the Mayor's Fund has an Advisory Board comprised of prominent civic and business leaders appointed by the Mayor to advise and assist the Board of Directors.

History

Looking Back at Our Impact 

1994: The Beginning 

The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, originally known as Public-Private Initiatives Inc., was founded in 1994. From day one, the Fund’s goal has been clear: bring public and private partners together to build a stronger, more just New York City. 

2001: Responding to 9/11 

After the September 11 attacks, the Mayor’s Fund created the Twin Towers Fund, raising $107 million to support the families of rescue workers who lost their lives or were severely injured. This effort became a defining example of New Yorkers coming together during crisis. 

2005: Supporting Survivors 

With backing from the Mayor’s Fund, New York City opened its first Family Justice Center. Survivors of domestic violence could, for the first time, access legal, counseling, housing, and financial support—all under one roof. Today, there are five Family Justice Centers, operated by ENDGBV, throughout the boroughs, serving clients across each borough. 

2010–2011: Fighting Poverty and Boosting Opportunity 

In 2010, the Mayor’s Fund and the Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity secured New York City’s first Social Innovation Fund grant, allowing the Fund to scale up successful anti-poverty pilot programs and strengthen the evidence base. The next year, the two organizations launched the Young Men’s Initiative: a $127 million public-private partnership focused on expanding educational, employment, and mentoring opportunities for young men across the city. 

2015: Mental Health and Youth Employment 

With a $30 million Social Innovation Fund grant, the Fund launched Connections to Care, a partnership with NYC Opportunity, in 2015. The program brought mental health skills and screenings to community nonprofits serving low-income and at-risk New Yorkers. From 2016 to 2021, over 1,950 staff were trained, reaching more than 51,000 participants. 

2015 also saw the creation of the Mayor’s Office of Youth Employment (MOYE), a partnership between the Fund, City agencies, business leaders, and philanthropy. MOYE helped grow City-supported jobs, internships, and related opportunities for youth from 62,000 to over 100,000 between 2015 and 2022. 

2017: NYC Soccer Initiative: Access for All 

In 2017, the Fund teamed up with adidas, New York City Football Club, U.S. Soccer Foundation, and Etihad Airways to launch the New York City Soccer Initiative. This $3 million, five-year effort has built and maintained 50 mini soccer pitches in under-resourced neighborhoods—giving kids safe spaces for play, health, and community. The pitches were built at NYC Department of Education public schools and public spaces in NYC parks. 

2020: 

COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund 

In response to the spread of the novel coronavirus in New York City, the Mayor’s Fund launched the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund. The fund aimed to support priority areas including: distributing PPE and nutritious meals to health care workers and essential staff, supporting local small businesses with grants to retain workers and zero-interest loans, relief for displaced hourly workers, and supporting families, youth, and other vulnerable New Yorkers with food assistance and access to basic supplies. The Fund raised $54.5 million. 

The Mayor’s Fund also worked with the Human Resources Administration (HRA) and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs to implement the Immigrant Novel Coronavirus 2019 Burial Assistance Program, which provided financial assistance to low-income families and loved ones of deceased individuals who were ineligible for HRA’s burial assistance program. HRA provides up to $1,700 towards burial expenses for eligible New Yorkers. 

2022:  

Supporting Youth in STEM   

Throughout fiscal year 2022, the Fund continued its partnership with MOYE, receiving a $1.5 million grant to support two STEM programs: Exploring Futures, which helps middle schoolers explore career options, and College Now for Careers, which enables high schoolers to earn college credit for STEM majors.  

Stepping Up for the Bronx  

That same year, tragedy struck in the Bronx with the Twin Parks Fire. The Mayor’s Fund worked quickly to raise $4.4 million for impacted families, partnering with BronxWorks to provide direct cash assistance, care management, and support for emergency needs. 

2023:  

Emergency Services for Asylum Seekers 

In early 2023, and in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs and multiple City agency services, the Fund launched the Asylum Seeker Relief Fund, rallying philanthropic and corporate partners to help new arrivals. Key programs included the Immigrant Children Advocate’s Relief Effort (ICARE), the Immigrant Navigator Network, and citywide Know Your Rights trainings—each designed to provide legal aid, mentorship, and critical information to those starting a new life in New York. The Fund raised over $5.8 Million.  

Child Care Vouchers 

In 2023, in collaboration with the Administration for Children’s Services, the Fund secured a historic grant with Robinhood to assist almost 6,000 families apply for government-subsidized childcare vouchers through the support of community-based organizations with a focus on the highest-need communities. 

2024: Advancing Gender Equity 

January 2024 brought the launch of Women Forward NYC: An Action Plan for Gender Equity. With over $43 million in investment, this ambitious initiative aims to make New York City a leader in gender equity, connecting women—including transgender and gender expansive New Yorkers—to better jobs, healthcare, safety, and housing. The plan is supported through public and private partnerships, city dollars, academic institutions, and federal grants. 

2025 and Beyond: Building for the Future 

New York City Soccer Initiative 2.0 

Now in its second phase, the New York City Soccer Initiative continues, with the Fund, New York City Football Club, and the Department of Education working together to add 26 more mini-soccer pitches at DOE Schools that need them most. The Community Cup is the pinnacle of the initiative, uniting young players from across the five boroughs, and the Consulate Cup engages New York City’s diplomatic community and showcases the universal language of soccer. 

Homecoming of Heroes: Ticker Tape Parade and Memorial 

Looking ahead, the Mayor’s Fund is partnering with the Department of Veterans Services to host the Homecoming of Heroes Ticker Tape Parade on July 6, 2026, honoring post-9/11 combat veterans and their families. The Fund is also supporting the creation of the Post 9/11 Fallen Service Member Memorial along the Whitestone, Queens waterfront, a lasting tribute to those who served. 

Read more about our active programs here.  

Every milestone reflects the Mayor’s Fund’s commitment to bringing people together, responding to challenges, and opening doors to opportunity for all New Yorkers.