NYC Nonprofit News

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Brooke Shields Joins Mount Sinai Prostate Cancer PSA

Actress Brooke Shields has partnered with Mount Sinai Health System to direct and appear in a public service announcement encouraging families to discuss prostate cancer screening. The 30-second video uses humor before Shields shares her personal experience of losing her father, who had prostate cancer. The campaign coincides with Mount Sinai's launch of EXPAND-PC, a five-year, $4.2 million federally funded research project examining ways to improve screening access in underserved communities. Researchers plan to conduct a feasibility trial involving 240 men across eight New York City Housing Authority communities, supported by mobile screening services and education. Mount Sinai's broader screening initiative aims to encourage informed conversations with health care providers and improve access to follow-up care.

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CUNY Raises Record $312M in Donations, Up 26%

The City University of New York raised a record $312 million in philanthropic support during fiscal year 2026, a 26% increase from the previous year and the first time the university surpassed $300 million in annual fundraising. CUNY has raised nearly $1.1 billion over four years, with donations supporting scholarships, student assistance and career development across its colleges. The year's largest contribution was a $50 million gift from MacKenzie Scott to Lehman College. Brooklyn College raised $32.4 million, while Baruch College received $34.8 million. Community colleges collectively raised $36.7 million, up from $30.3 million the previous year. CUNY officials said the fundraising growth will expand resources that help students complete degrees and prepare for careers.

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NYC Launches $3M Medicaid and SNAP Assistance Team

New York City has launched a $3 million Health and Affordability Resource Team (HART) to help residents navigate federal changes to Medicaid and SNAP benefits. Announced by Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the NYC Health Department, the program will deploy trained community health workers to assist New Yorkers with maintaining health coverage, accessing food and cash assistance, obtaining housing support and seeking relief from hospital bills. City officials estimate that as many as 900,000 New Yorkers could be at risk of losing health coverage when new federal Medicaid requirements take effect January 1, 2027. HART workers, who collectively speak 13 languages, will focus on communities most likely to be affected. Residents can call 347-655-0124 for health insurance enrollment assistance.

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Bronx's Little Yemen Gains Cultural District Status

Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation recognizing Little Yemen in the Bronx as an official cultural district, acknowledging the contributions of the borough's growing Yemeni-American community. The district will extend from White Plains Road to Bronxdale Avenue, with Van Nest Avenue marking its southern boundary. The designation recognizes a neighborhood known for Yemeni-owned restaurants, small businesses and cultural traditions, while potentially making local cultural organizations eligible for New York State grant assistance. State Senator Nathalia Fernandez and Assemblymember John Zaccaro Jr. sponsored the legislation, which community leaders say will help preserve Yemeni heritage, encourage tourism and support neighborhood businesses. Little Yemen joins other recognized cultural districts, including El Barrio in East Harlem and the Harlem Renaissance Cultural District.

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NY Opens Craft Beer, Wine and Spirits Retail Awards

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the launch of the New York State Craft Beverage Retailer Awards, a new initiative recognizing businesses that promote beverages produced in New York using locally grown agricultural ingredients. The awards will honor eligible retailers in five categories: beer, wine, mead, liquor and cider. Up to three winners may be selected in each category, with recipients receiving an official designation they can display in their stores and marketing materials. Eligible retailers must have operated for at least two years and meet state licensing requirements. Nominations must be submitted by qualifying industry organizations rather than individual retailers. The deadline is November 20, 2026, with Empire State Development and the Department of Agriculture and Markets reviewing applications.

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Jackson Heights Gets $33.8M for First Community Center

Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $33.8 million investment supporting the development of Jackson Heights' first community center and community swimming pool through the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens. The project includes $10 million in state funding, $9.3 million from the New York City Council and additional federal, state and private contributions. Planned for 70-02 34th Avenue, the facility will feature a gymnasium, basketball courts, a theater and recreational spaces, with programs serving children, families and seniors. Proposed services include after-school activities, early childhood education, workforce development, health and wellness, and arts programming. The center is expected to serve up to 10,000 children when completed, although a construction completion date was not provided.

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NYC Expands Grant Program to Pay 800 Nonprofits Faster

New York City is expanding a grant program designed to accelerate payments to community-based nonprofits that provide essential services across the five boroughs. The expanded Discretionary Grant Pilot could benefit up to 800 organizations by removing nine administrative steps and allowing eligible providers to receive their full awards within 30 days after grant agreements are signed by both parties. During fiscal year 2026, the pilot distributed $1 million to more than 100 nonprofits, reducing average processing times from more than a year to approximately three months, according to the City. For fiscal year 2027, eligible organizations may include nonprofits receiving cumulative discretionary awards of $25,000 or less from mayoral agencies. Grant agreements are expected to begin going out in November.

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NYU Gets $525K Gift for Chinese Diasporic Art Study

New York University's Institute of Fine Arts has received a $525,000 gift from Asymmetry to establish a new academic initiative focused on Chinese and Sinophone diasporic art. The partnership will support two PhD fellowships for research examining how migration, cultural exchange and the movement of artists and ideas have influenced visual culture across different regions. Fellows will also have opportunities to conduct collections and archival research through the Institute's network of New York museums and cultural organizations. The initiative will include an annual symposium bringing together researchers, curators, students and other specialists to examine Chinese and Sinophone diasporas through comparative perspectives. Asymmetry, a London-based nonprofit founded in 2020, will also connect the fellows with its international academic and cultural network.

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NYC-Based AFSP Awards $9.47M for Suicide Research

The New York City-based American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is awarding $9.47 million through 29 new research grants examining ways to prevent suicide and improve treatment for people at risk. The projects address subjects including suicidal behavior among adolescents, rapid responses to suicide clusters, prevention strategies for Indigenous youth and treatment approaches combining ketamine with cognitive behavioral therapy. Other research will examine suicide risk among women who have experienced interpersonal violence and the relationship between cannabis use, cognitive processing and suicide risk in young adults. AFSP says the latest awards bring its total investment in research above $100 million and approximately 900 funded grants since the organization was founded in 1987.