Frequently Asked Questions

What does New Yorkers For Children do?

New Yorkers For Children (NYFC) is a New York City nonprofit that supports youth in and aging out of foster care as they transition to independent adulthood. Through individualized advising, financial assistance, career development, and community-based support, NYFC helps young people navigate challenges, pursue their goals, and build stable futures.

 

Who does NYFC serve?

NYFC serves young people aged 18-26 currently in or formerly in New York City’s foster care system, with a particular focus on older youth transitioning into adulthood. Many are pursuing college, workforce training, or early career opportunities.

 

 

Why is support for youth aging out of foster care important?

Each year, young people leave foster care and must navigate adulthood, often without the financial, educational, or emotional support systems many of their peers rely on. Targeted support during this transition can make a critical difference in helping them achieve stability, complete their education, and access meaningful career pathways with living-wage potential.

 

 

What programs does NYFC offer?

NYFC provides a continuum of support designed to help youth in and aging out of foster care in New York City succeed in education, careers, and independent adulthood. Our programs combine individualized guidance, financial support, and community-based experiences, including:

 

  • Education and post-secondary support, including advising, stipends, and resources to help young people persist and succeed
  • Career development and workforce pathways that connect young people to training and sustainable-wage opportunities
  • Emergency financial assistance to stabilize youth during moments of crisis
  • Innovative programming that bolsters New York City's child welfare ecoystem
  • Peer-based programs and community spaces that build connection, confidence, and a sense of belonging

 

How does NYFC support education and career success?

NYFC combines financial support with personalized guidance. This includes stipends and emergency grants, alongside wraparound supports such as ongoing advising, career readiness training, and access to professional networks. The goal is to ensure that young people not only enroll in programs, but persist and succeed in college and the workforce.

 

 

What is NYFC’s Emergency Grants program?

NYFC’s Emergency Grants program provides rapid-response financial assistance to young people facing unexpected challenges, such as housing instability, medical expenses, or urgent living costs. These grants help prevent short-term crises from becoming long-term barriers, ensuring that youth can remain in college and the workforce.

 

 

How can I support youth in foster care in New York City?

There are many ways to support youth aging out of foster care in NYC, including:

 

How can I volunteer with New Yorkers For Children?

NYFC offers a range of volunteer opportunities, and volunteers play an important role in helping young people build skills, confidence, and connections. Visit our volunteering page to learn more about current opportunities.

 

Is New Yorkers For Children a nonprofit organization?

Yes. New Yorkers For Children is an independent nonprofit organization based in New York City, and our Employer Identification Number is 13-3904537. Since 1996, NYFC has worked in close partnership with the NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) to support young people in the child welfare system.

 

Can I view your financial records?

Yes. Audited financial statements and IRS Form 990s for New Yorkers For Children are available here. NYFC holds a four-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum rating from Candid.

 

 

How is NYFC different from other nonprofits?

NYFC is uniquely positioned as the nonprofit partner to the NYC Administration for Children’s Services. This allows us to combine deep system knowledge with flexible, responsive support for young people. Our programs focus not only on immediate needs, but on long-term success in education, careers, and financial stability.

 

Where does NYFC operate?

NYFC’s work is focused in New York City, where we partner with the Administration for Children’s Services, foster care agencies, colleges, and community organizations to support young people across the five boroughs.

 

How can I donate to NYFC?

You can make a secure online donation through our website. Contributions support financial assistance, career programs, education support, and other services that help foster youth in NYC build strong futures. Donations can also be mailed to 450 Seventh Ave, Suite 1707, New York, NY 10123.

 

If you don’t see your question here, we’d be delighted to hear from you. Please contact us to learn more about how you can support youth in and aging out of foster care in New York City.