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Q&A
Discussion on DCLA funding allocation for underserved communities
2:35:11
·
116 sec
Council Member Rivera inquires about DCLA's funding allocation for organizations serving historically marginalized communities. Commissioner Cumbo explains the CDF Equity Fund, which provided additional funding to organizations in low-income areas. General Counsel Polivy mentions the reintroduction of the Language Access Fund and Disability Forward Fund.
- DCLA created a $2 million CDF Equity Fund for 264 organizations in low-income areas
- Eligibility criteria focus on supporting vulnerable populations with fewer community resources
- Language Access Fund and Disability Forward Fund were brought back to support targeted programs
Carlina Rivera
2:35:11
I guess my follow-up question to that in terms of our communities and historically underserved populations and areas, the DCLA allocate additional funding to organizations that are led by or serve BIPOC communities, low income communities, LGBTQIA communities, and other historically marginalized communities?
2:35:35
And if so, can you produce a breakdown of which groups received additional funding and the difference in award amount for these groups or is this something that you're planning?
Lauri Cumbo
2:35:46
We did not quantify the organizations in that way by the criteria that you just discussed.
2:35:56
We created something called the CDF Equity Fund and through this fund two sixty four organizations operating in areas of New York City with the lowest median incomes and highest poverty rates received a total of $2,000,000 in additional funding on top of their CDF awards.
2:36:15
So we actually looked at this and said how can we get funding into the lowest median incomes and highest poverty rates?
2:36:22
And that was the criteria that we looked at in terms of bringing support that has been not as deeply invested in those communities systemically for generations.
2:36:36
So we wanted to change that.
2:36:38
Eligibility for the CDF includes whether additional funds would provide critical support for arts or cultural organizations serving vulnerable populations of the city with fewer community resources.
Lance Polivy
2:36:51
I'd also note that we brought back the Language Access Fund this year and the Disability Forward Fund this year, both of which in FY twenty five helped support organizations that we're targeting the types of programs that I think you're really driving at.