Brooklyn – Councilman David G. Greenfield is keeping a commitment he made last year to bring further transparency to the New York City budget process by inviting all eligible community-based, non-profit organizations to attend a city funding workshop tomorrow, Tuesday, March 1st. In an unprecedented move, the Councilman is hosting an open workshop tomorrow for any group serving his district with an interest in applying for funding from the New York City Council.

The New York City application process for funding of non-profit groups is now open through March 24th. In order to ensure that all groups are treated equally, attendance at tomorrow’s workshop is mandatory and is the only way that any group will be considered for funding from Councilman Greenfield. Attendance does not guarantee funding. It does, however, give a group the tools necessary to apply for funding and ensures that their application will be reviewed.

“Last year, I tried to give as many groups as possible a piece of the pie” said Councilman Greenfield who secured over $1 million in government funds for more than fifty groups throughout his district. “My philosophy toward the budget is the same this year, but, unfortunately, there’s less pie to go around. This workshop is designed to demystify the funding process and allow any non-profit community group that wants funding to apply. We’re even making it mandatory so that every group knows that they will have the exact same information and opportunity as anyone else to get funding. Also, it will introduce organizations to the Council’s new computer-based application process for funding.”

This year, the Council has adopted an online application, which requires groups to complete the entire funding application online and mail supplementary materials to the Council. In past years, the application could be completed in hard copy and returned, with supplementary materials, directly to the Council Member.

“The Council is attempting to streamline the application process,” explained Councilman Greenfield. “My office is, in turn, trying to help groups navigate the changes and ensure that any group that wants to apply is able to do so.”

Tomorrow’s workshop will also provide groups with an opportunity to schedule meetings with Councilman Greenfield to discuss their funding priorities for Fiscal Year 2012. Once again, to ensure openness and fairness, this will be the only opportunity for groups to schedule a time to meet with the Councilman specifically about budget priorities.

“I hope that community-based groups take advantage of this unique opportunity,” noted Councilman Greenfield. “I look forward to meeting with all interested groups and learning more about how they help the residents of my district. At the same time, I want to encourage groups to be realistic about what the City will be able to offer in the way of financial assistance in one of the worst budget years in recent memory.” With the city facing a multi-billion dollar deficit, the expectation is that the amount of funding available to non-profit organization will be significantly reduced.

Councilman Greenfield’s budget workshop will take place tomorrow, March 1, 2011, at 6pm at 4424 16th Avenue in the second floor ballroom, across from the Councilman’s office. The meeting is open to any interested non-profit group serving the Councilman’s district. To RSVP, please contact Councilman Greenfield’s office at 718-853-2704.

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(YWN Desk – NYC)