How We Help
Hot Bread Kitchen / Photo: Jennifer May
Business Investments
UMEZ supports projects that provide new job creation as well as those that would be under-capitalized without our loan capital. Rather than competing with traditional lenders, we tend to augment (or “gap fund”) the level of private capital provided.
Cultural Investments
UMEZ has established the Cultural Investment Fund (CIF) to support nonprofit cultural organizations and artist-driven projects in Upper Manhattan. Our grants build administrative capacity, support organizational development, and promote sustainability. These investments lead to greater visitorship, new jobs, and increased economic activity, and foster recognition for Upper Manhattan as one of the City's most dynamic cultural hubs.
Museum of the City of New York (MCNY) / Photo courtesy of MCNY
Two individuals at the Starbucks Resource Fair. Photo credit: Will Howard, courtesy of East Harlem Talent Network, an initiative of STRIVE International and UMEZ
Workforce Development
Our Workforce Development Initiative provides financial and technical assistance to catalyze employment and training in Upper Manhattan neighborhoods. Our goal is to facilitate access to quality jobs and career advancement opportunities for unemployed—and underemployed—residents.
Our Impact
$242 million
invested in Upper Manhattan
$1.1 billion
of private capital leveraged in Upper Manhattan as a result of UMEZ investments
10,000
Nearly 10,000 direct jobs created because of UMEZ’s commitment to Upper Manhattan
"Change is positive as long as the tide lifts all the boats. We're going to make sure all boats can be lifted."
– Kenneth Knuckles, Former UMEZ CEO
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