Robin Hood, New York's Largest Poverty-Fighting Organization, Issues Call for Ideas

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - February 24, 2016) - Robin Hood, New York City's largest poverty-fighting organization, issued two Requests for Concepts (RFCs) today. The RFCs call for ideas that could grow into high-impact programs serving New Yorkers living in poverty. They're focused on:

• improving the health of low-income immigrant or Latino New Yorkers

• raising the living standards of low-income Chinese immigrant families

By issuing these RFCs, Robin Hood aims to unearth innovative programs that can transform the lives of New Yorkers struggling with a unique set of challenges and serve as a model for other cities. Submissions are due April 1 and can come from established organizations with strong programs or start-ups with bold visions. Concepts may originate in New York or elsewhere.

"We want to expand the field to open ourselves to new thinking and start conversations we wouldn't have otherwise had," said Eric Weingartner, managing director of survival at Robin Hood. "Our goal is to identify ideas that can produce a substantial, measurable, positive impact on the lives of poor New Yorkers."

More about the RFC on the health of low-income immigrant or Latino New Yorkers

Immigrants and Latinos living in poverty suffer disproportionately from diabetes, obesity, mental illness, asthma, hypertension, and other chronic health conditions. Latinos have the highest rate of diabetes in the city (14 percent) and one in five Latino children have asthma. This RFC targets these conditions and aims to close the health gap. Addressing health disparities has been integral to Robin Hood's approach since its first grant to the Children's Health Fund in 1988. In 2015, Robin Hood invested over $17 million in first-rate health centers, hospitals, and community-based organizations in New York City.

More about the RFC on raising the living standards of low-income Chinese immigrant families

More than 70,000 Chinese immigrants live in poverty, and the poverty rate among Asians is rising faster than for any other ethnic group in the city. Chinese immigrants face daunting challenges -- limited English proficiency, exploitation in low-wage industries, and overcrowded housing. For this RFC, potential areas of focus include economic advancement, housing, early childhood development, or help for disconnected youth. Robin Hood invests tens of millions of dollars each year to support immigrants and their children. For example, Robin Hood designed and incubated Immigrant Justice Corps, launched ICARE in service of Central American child refugees, and helped the de Blasio Administration create a new immigrant-focused job center.

About Robin Hood

ROBIN HOOD is New York's largest poverty-fighting organization. We find, fund and create over 200 of the most effective programs, to help 1.8 million New Yorkers learn and earn their way out of poverty. Because our board of directors underwrites all operating costs, 100% of your donation goes directly to organizations helping New Yorkers in need. www.robinhood.org 

Facebook: facebook.com/robinhood 
Twitter: @robinhoodnyc