Mutual Aid Multiplier

Established operational partnerships with the New York Police Department, Parks Department, Small Business Administration, and local NYC venues in 2021 to expand program reach and impact.

Provides additional financial support to recipients of awards from the New York League of Arts as part of its grantmaking initiatives.

Conducts recurring open call funding cycles to award grants of up to $5,000 for artistic projects that bring art to underserved communities, with multiple grants awarded per cycle. The organization has conducted at least seven open calls between 2017 and 2023.

Provides grants of up to $5,000 to support creative projects that bring art to underserved communities and include elements of absurdist play and community giving.

Launched and operated the Helping Hearts NYC initiative during the pandemic to provide over 25,000 free meals to healthcare workers and vulnerable populations in New York City, while supporting local restaurants through meal procurement.

Hosts an annual fundraising event, including a successful December 2021 event, to support its charitable programming and engage volunteers in event activities.

Delivers art, arts events, and arts education to communities, with a focus on expanding access in NYC for underserved populations and transforming audiences into creators to foster community wellbeing.

Helps eligible New York City residents, particularly restaurant employees, find and schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments.

Collaborates with community organizations such as the New Settlement Community Center, West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing, and Borough of Manhattan Community College to deliver free meals to vulnerable populations including low-income seniors and college students facing food insecurity.

Distributes free, nutritious meals—prepared by local restaurants—to healthcare workers and New Yorkers experiencing food insecurity, including deliveries to over 70 healthcare facilities, more than 20 shelters, and supportive housing residences across New York City and surrounding areas.

Partners with FarmLink to redirect surplus food from farms to reduce food waste and support meal distribution efforts.

Supported virtual comedy shows organized by community groups to raise funds, expanding community engagement around food security and relief efforts.

Conducts interviews with restaurant partners and meal recipients and produces blog content through volunteer contributions with editorial support from the organization.

Generates funding for meal preparation and delivery through the sale of merchandise; for example, purchasing two mugs funds one meal.

Supports local restaurants by contracting them to prepare meals, helping reemploy over 140 restaurant workers in New York City through these partnerships.

Provides guidance to small restaurants and other businesses experiencing difficulties applying for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans.

Includes handwritten thank-you notes in packages sent to deployed troops and coordinates messages of appreciation for older veterans through partnerships with elderly-serving organizations on Veterans Day and Memorial Day.

Purchases and delivers meals from local restaurants to healthcare workers and FDNY EMS stations as a gesture of appreciation and community support.