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Miami-based Community Progress Maker MCI Joins Leading Nonprofit Organizations Across the United States to Address Urban Challenges Ranging from Affordable Housing to Environmental Sustainability and Infrastructure

Miami (liberty City) – MAY 18, 2016 – Miami Children’s Initiative announces today that it has been selected as a recipient of the Community Progress Makers Fund, a $20 million grant initiative to support 40 visionary nonprofit organizations nationwide in their efforts to establish new approaches to long-standing urban economic challenges – including economic development, environment sustainability, urban infrastructure, and affordable housing.

As part of the program, Miami Children’s Initiative will receive a core operating support grant of $500,000 over the course of two years to continue its work in the Liberty City; transforming lives by providing a unified system of support, education and care that begins before birth, through college and career.

This new injection of funds will help bolster existing initiatives while opening up the door to additional programs such as opening a new MCI Community Space in the Impact Zone and expanding much needed services to middle and high school students as well as older youth (18-24 years old).  In addition to the grant, Miami Children’s Initiative will also have access to technical assistance from leading national researchers, experts and will be provided opportunities to connect with other grantees to share and learn best practices.

President of MCI, Cecilia A. Gutierrez, commented “It is such validation for our work!  We at MCI are determined to fulfil the promise that the future of Liberty City’s children will not be defined by their zip code. We believe that our children and families must have access to the best educational opportunities possible, and this Community Progress Makers Fund will make a world of difference in MCI’s work in Liberty City.  We are beyond thrilled!”

“The Citi Foundation feels privileged to support organizations like MCI that have demonstrated such strong commitments to their local communities”, said Brandee McHale, President of the Citi Foundation.  “These organizations have a track record of implementing solutions that work for their communities because they know the people there, understand what resources to tap and, most importantly, feel deeply invested in the places where they live and work.  We believe that’s the key to leading urban transformation efforts in Miami and elsewhere across the country.”

The Community Progress Makers Fund builds upon the Citi Foundation’s commitment to identify and support innovative solutions and organizations that are helping build stronger, more resilient cities that are engines of economic opportunity for all.  The flexibility of core operating support will allow organizations and their visionary leaders to deploy solutions that address a range of issues.

More information is available at http://miamichildrensinitiative.org/index.shtml or via phone (305) 514-6120. Follow MCI on Twitter @libertycitykids #MCI #IamLibertyCity #EveryDayHeroes

About Miami Children’s Initiative Miami Children's Initiative is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization focused on transforming Liberty City, one of South Florida’s most challenging and promising neighborhoods, into a more prosperous community. Like the Harlem Children’s Zone project, Miami Children’s Initiative takes a block-by-block approach to breaking the cycle of poverty by investing in the potential of every child.  In partnership with Liberty City’s residents, youth, religious centers, schools, businesses and non-profit organizations, Miami Children’s Initiative provides a unified continuum of support, education and care that begins before birth and continues through college and career. More information about Miami Children’s Initiative is available at http://miamichildrensinitiative.org/index.shtml.