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.
Studio Museum in Harlem / Photo: Will Ragozzino
Photo: Tyrone Rasheed
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
$238 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, UMEZ CEO
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