Black Equity Alliance is the only institution engaging policy analysis, research and advocacy on cross-system issues specifically affecting Black children, families and communities, and looks at the New York City Black community as a whole.
Capacity Building
With a growing number of participants coming from small, community- based organizations with budgets of less than $2 million, the Leadership Learning Series, managed by Black Agency Executives targets Black-led non-profits and focuses on leadership development and capacity building.To assist with non-profit sustainability, The Alliance initiated a Capacity Building Grants Program and has funded technical assistance and capacity building grants to 27 organizations during the last three years.
Economic Development
In efforts to increase participation in minority and women- certified business programs, The Alliance established a partnership with the New York City Department of Small Business Services.
In collaboration with 15 not-for-profits and financial institutions, The Alliance developed strategies for increasing the number of businesses certified by New York City. This initiative formed the basis for The Alliance’s emerging Minority Business Development Program.
Advocacy
Child Welfare Initiative
Concerned with the crisis in child welfare agencies of color throughout New York City, The Alliance forged alliances to highlight key issues. This initiative led to the initiation of the Administration of Children Services Task Force on Minority-led agencies.
The Alliance brought together more than 20 academic and policy leaders and consumers for a strategy session to develop guiding recommendations related to child welfare policy in New York City.
Public policy advocacy spearheaded by The Alliance resulted in changes to New York City evaluation procedures for child welfare providers.
In efforts to support infrastructure development of child welfare agencies of color, The Alliance serves as a catalyst contributing to the initial development of a public/private fund.
New Yorkers for the Gulf Coast
Mobilizing New York City leaders of African decent, The Alliance responded to the 2005 evacuation of the Gulf Coast region by creating New Yorkers for the Gulf Coast. This initiative provides direct financial grants to Katrina survivors in New York City.
In partnership with national local organizations in the public and private faith sectors, The Alliance assisted with the delivery of direct goods and services to survivors transplanted to the New York region, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi and Texas.
State of Black New York City
In collaboration with the New York Urban League, The Alliance facilitated the production of a joint publication created to address the issues that contribute to the civic and economic disparity between New Yorkers of African decent and the general population.
The State of Black New York Report is a living document with achievable recommendations that can support policymakers in both government and the private sector.