Community Action Organization of WNY receives grant from NYS Census Equity Fund

The Community Action Organization of WNY (CAO) has received $4,000 from the New York State Census Equity Fund. The mini-grant allowed nonprofit organizations who serve hard-to-count populations to apply in order to increase participation in the 2020 Census.

L. Nathan Hare, CEO of CAO, said he is grateful for the grant as CAO continues to promote census participation. He noted the digital divide that exists in Western New York plays a large role in the lack of census participation in hard-to-count areas.

“We are excited to announce that CAO has secured an in-kind donation of 50 tablets for this outreach initiative valued at $8,400,” Hare said. “Our IT director, Rod Durick, took action and reached out to Richard Taylor, a senior account manager from T-Mobile. In total we have received $12,400 towards this initiative.”

CAO continues to serve the low-income population within Erie and Niagara counties as the COVID-19 crisis unfolds. The nonprofit organization is asking the community to “take action” to help the individuals and families it serves during this trying time. The City of Good Neighbors has stepped up in many ways to support CAO and the individuals and families they serve.

The Community Action Organization of WNY was designated in 1965 as the official anti-poverty agency for Erie County, with a mission to serve the unmet needs of the low-income population. Today, CAO serves more than 50,000 families and individuals within Erie and Niagara counties through a variety of programs and services. Visit caowny.org for more information.