Global Capital of Creativity
The Rockefeller Foundation has contributed to New York City since our founding in 1913. During the ensuing nine decades, our predecessors supported a number of artistic, scientific and social advances—and institutions like Lincoln Center and the Museum of Modern Art—that continue to benefit the people of New York’s myriad communities.
Today, New York’s streetscapes serve as more than a setting for our work. Our city inspires and informs an active appreciation for and investment in the strength of cities and the significance of cultural innovation around the world.
The Rockefeller Foundation exercises unwavering commitments to urban experimentation, civic responsibility and creative expression in our hometown.
Local Institutions We’ve Supported
Today, through our New York City Opportunities Fund, the Foundation sparks bold solutions to local challenges, encourages innovation within the cultural and civic sectors, and builds on our legacy of support to key local institutions:
- Jazz at Lincoln Center produced FREEDOM! A Celebration in Jazz, reflecting on the parallels of jazz and democracy, from the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to a new era under President Barack Obama.
- Tectonic Theater Project premiered The Laramie Project 10 Years Later (October 2009). This production, featuring the original cast of the play about the death of Matthew Shepard, was simultaneously presented at 150 venues throughout the United States and worldwide, with live video streaming allowing for real-time discussions (before and after the showing) on the issues of hate crimes, homophobia and tolerance.
- The Center for an Urban Future is preparing a report of compelling, actionable and affordable recommendations for New York City government, business and civic leaders to undertake to strengthen and grow the creative sector.
- Manhattan Institute’s Center for Rethinking Development hosted a public forum (September 2009) entitled "Thinking Big, New York & London: Heading Back to the Top" to explore how the two cities can learn from each other's successful ideas and innovations.
- MoMA received a grant toward the costs of Palisades Bay, an exhibition and workshop set for 2010 to address the environmental impact of climate change and sea level rise in the New York/New Jersey Harbor.
Our Three Primary NYC Projects
NYC Cultural Innovation Fund
The Foundation’s NYC Cultural Innovation Fund, launched in 2007, supports creativity and the arts, with an emphasis on innovation. The Foundation awards two-year grants, ranging from $50,000 to $250,000.
Jane Jacobs Medal
In 2007, the year after the visionary urban activist Jane Jacobs died, the Rockefeller Foundation launched the Jane Jacobs annual award and medal to honor her work and to reaffirm the Foundation’s commitment to New York City.
Opportunity NYC
The Rockefeller Foundation is the leading funder of Opportunity NYC, which recognizes the day-to-day challenges faced by low-income people.
