Education and Urban Affairs

The Education and Urban Affairs program invests in the future of New York City. Through these portfolios, Revson seeks to strengthen our essential civic squares, the institutions and infrastructure that promote an informed and engaged citizenry.

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Grantmaking Focus

We invest in the future of New York City and organizations and efforts that make the city’s civic life more vibrant.

Over the past five years, Revson has awarded approximately 180 grants, totaling $18.3 million through its Education and Urban Affairs programs. Recent areas of focus include election reform, public space and parks, high school journalism, and civic participation opportunities for young people. Signature efforts have also included strengthening the local journalism ecosystem, reimagining libraries, and supporting the community development and supportive housing sectors.

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Investing in Public Space for Flourishing Neighborhoods and Civic Life

Building on Revson’s history of strengthening the city’s civic spaces and drawing on our experience re-envisioning public libraries as core civic institutions, in 2021 the Foundation turned attention to New York City’s approximately 2,300 parks, 550+ privately owned public spaces, more than 80 pedestrian plazas, and endless sidewalks. Despite acting as engines of economic growth and as drivers of public opinion and perception, government has underinvested in public space.
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Supporting the Newest Immigrants to New York

Since before the days of Ellis Island, immigrants have shaped the economic, cultural, and civic life of New York City. In 2023, building on Revson’s history of supporting immigrants and diverse communities, Revson invested in a new cohort of organizations seeking to welcome the newest wave of immigrants to the city and to support them in pursuits that will help them and our communities and city thrive.
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Tackling a Struggling Electoral System and Low Voter Turnout in New York

New York has a long track record of poor voter turnout and civic engagement. In 2021, just 23% of registered voters cast ballots in the NYC mayoral primary and, over ten years, only 3% of voters participated in every election for which they were eligible. In 2020, MIT’s Elections Performance Index ranked New York State 47th in voter turnout and electoral administration, placing New York below states such as Texas and Georgia. In 2024’s presidential election, New York ranked 49th or second to last in voter turnout among the 50 largest cities.
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Reimagining New York City’s Public Libraries

For more than 15 years, Revson has supported efforts to re-imagine New York City’s 219 public library branches. The libraries’ mission to nurture the human capacity for improvement with a physical presence in every neighborhood aligns with two of the Foundation’s program areas—education and urban affairs.
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Strengthening Local Journalism in New York

With our longstanding mission of investing in the future of New York City and advancing democratic values, Revson has invested over $17 million to strengthen local journalism, supporting local news outlets, partnerships, revenue strategies, and field building.
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Grantee Spotlights

The Youth Journalism Coalition increases access to high school journalism

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swimming pool full of people

Addressing New York City’s lifeguard shortage

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Open Hearts Initiative builds community support for more housing and shelter

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