Rapid Response Funding - This is Our New York Campaign

Program Status: This was a rapid response funding opportunity created following the 2016 presidential election. Funds were intended to support work over 18 months and beyond.

Geographic Scope: New York State

Focus Areas: The campaign addresses five key issue areas:

• Outreach & Community Education - community action forums, intensive outreach, linkages to services including legal services
• Legal Services - time-sensitive consultations for those fearful of deportation, including DACA recipients and legal permanent residents seeking naturalization
• Combat Hate Crimes & Intimidation - tracking systems, community outreach, coordination with law enforcement
• Advocacy & Organizing - large-scale actions, base-building, protecting DACA, welcoming refugees, fighting deportations
• Soft Power - building bridges with non-traditional allies and communities

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in New York
• Must renew or apply for NYIC Membership for 2017
• NYIC Members are dues-paying nonprofit organizations committed to advancing NYIC's mission

Selection Criteria:

• Relevance, timeliness, and urgency of proposed activities
• Organizational capacity or track record for similar work
• Cultural competence and experience with targeted communities
• Engagement with NYIC and its Member organizations
• Availability of funds

Additional Notes: The selection committee reserves the right to request additional information before making decisions. Funds were anticipated to be divided between rapid response and ongoing support throughout the 18-month campaign.

Application Process

1. Submission Format: Expressions of interest in the form of brief proposals (approximately 3-6 pages)
2. Required Content:
   • Description of the organization
   • Summary of issues to be addressed, noting which of the five campaign issue areas they respond to
   • Proposed activities and timeline
   • Expected outcomes (including number of people to be served, if applicable)
   • Amount of funds requested
   • Budget
3. Submission Instructions:
   • Submit to: OurNewYorkRFI@nyic.org
4. Selection Committee: Made up of NYIC staff, board, funders, and independent experts
5. Timeline: NYIC was poised to make awards quickly as soon as funds came in