NYS Legislators Announce More than Half a Million Dollars in Funding for Local AAPI Organizations

(ROCHESTER, NY) - Today, Senator Jeremy Cooney (Rochester), Assemblymember Sarah Clark (Rochester) NYS Assembly APA task force Co-Chairs Assemblymember Grace Lee (Manhattan) and Assemblymember Zohran Mamadani (Queens) announced more than $500,000 in funding for AAPI organizations in Greater Rochester. 

This historic funding is a response to the extraordinary needs of New York’s AAPI community and in recognition of the legislature’s responsibility to support and protect vulnerable New Yorkers. It moves New York one step closer to a future where these communities are fully protected and supported. 

Organizations receiving funding serve populations from across the AAPI community, and provide a variety of support services including cultural programming, educational services, and assistance for refugees. 

The following organizations will be receiving funding in varying amounts: APAPA - Rochester, Filipino American Association of Rochester, Hindu Temple of Rochester, House of Refuge, India Community Center of Rochester, Keeping our Promise, Mary's Place, Pakistani American Community of Rochester, Refugees Helping Refugees, University of Rochester (Hindu community outreach and direct services), SAATHI, Volunteer Legal Services of Monroe DBA Just Cause.

I was proud to stand with a diverse coalition of AAPI legislators to secure historic funding for Asian New Yorkers, including more than half a million dollars for organizations in Rochester,” said Senator Jeremy Cooney. “It is with great pride that I serve as the first AAPI state-level elected official outside of NYC, and am thrilled to have partners in the Legislature and the Executive branches who understand not just the diverse needs of this community, but its geographic diversity as well.

“There are many things about the Finger Lakes region that makes it an exceptional place to live, and that especially includes our diverse cultures and communities here,” said Assemblymember Sarah Clark. “The AAPI community is the fastest growing population in the state, especially in places like those I represent in the 136th Assembly district. I was proud to advocate for this record funding across New York to invest in our service based organizations here doing the everyday work to ensure we address the needs and inequities facing our AAPI neighbors and beyond. I am proud to stand with these organizations and community leaders, my colleagues on the APA Task Force in the state legislature, and our friends with the Asian American Federation today to announce this historic funding, and discuss the issues that unite our growing AAPI populations from upstate to downstate.”

“After leading the fight to secure a historic $30 million in funding for New York’s AAPI community in this year’s state budget, I am proud to see this money getting delivered to the Rochester’s diverse communities, and I look forward to seeing it used to support programs that empower AAPI New Yorkers and curb the recent rise in anti-Asian hate.” said Assemblymember Grace Lee, Co-Chair of the Assembly’s Asian Pacific American (APA) Task Force. 

“It is an honor to be in Rochester today to celebrate the allocation of over $550,000 in funding to local non-profit organizations to respond to the unique needs of this district’s Asian American communities. Asian New Yorkers live across our state, and so our funding must also be directed across our state,” said Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, Co-Chair of the Assembly’s Asian Pacific American (APA) Task Force. 

"The India Community Center of Rochester is honored to have been chosen to host the upcoming retreat organized by the Asian American Federation,” said Naveen Havannavar, Chairperson, ICC Rochester. “Committed to fostering cultural awareness, inclusion, and community building, the ICC has consistently served the diverse needs of South Asian communities in Rochester and the broader Upstate New York region. Being selected as the venue for this retreat both recognizes and underscores the value of our ongoing efforts in promoting advocacy and providing social services specifically targeted to benefit the larger AAPI community." 

“We are grateful to our AAPI Champions, the legislature and Governor for allocating state funds to AAPI-led and serving organizations across New York State-and in particular-organizations in upstate New York. This funding not only comprehensively targets the increased violence experienced by our communities, but also provides resources to guarantee the living conditions and safety nets of those most marginalized through food justice, mental health, case management, immigration, and more,” said Anita Gundanna and Vanessa Leung, Co-Executive Directors of the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families. “For far too long, AAPI communities have been historically underfunded and excluded from policy-making and funding decisions. Through this investment into our diverse communities, we are committed to continue fighting for holistic community-based solutions to address the rise in anti-Asian violence across the state. We are excited to continue working together to advocate for the safety and wellness of our diverse AAPI communities.”

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