New York, NY [October 18, 2021] The United Way of New York City (UWNYC) announced National Grid as a founding partner for the organization’s Campaign for Equity, which was launched to respond to the urgent needs of Black and brown communities in New York City most impacted by COVID-19. National Grid is a long- time contributor of UWNYC and this expanded initiative is designed to help close systemic disparities by catalyzing partnerships to drive resources, build capacity, promote advocacy, and create an innovation hub for diverse stakeholders. National Grid committed to contribute a total of $750,000 to United Way of New York City’s Campaign for Equity over the next 3 years.

Throughout New York City, families are struggling to meet their basic needs such as housing, healthcare, and other living costs. People of color comprise less than two-thirds of New York City’s households, and yet they account for almost four out of five households with inadequate income to cover these basic needs. As a trusted partner across multiple sectors and with the support of the Clinton Global Initiative, UWNYC launched the Campaign for Equity to serve as a backbone organization convening more than 300 corporations like National Grid, 600 non-profit organizations, and several city, state, and federal agencies to address the interconnected root causes of social and racial injustice in our society: access to healthcare, quality education, economic mobility, and criminal justice reform.

“In New York City, equality and equity are paramount and should be at the base of how we work and live together. It is not something we can afford to ignore,” said Rudolph Wynter, President of National Grid New York. “We are proud to partner in the Campaign for Equity with United Way of New York City and make improvements in the lives of those who need it most. National Grid’s strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is our primary focus with our employees, contractors and customers in the communities where we work and live.”  Wynter added, “Our partnership with the Campaign for Equity aligns with ‘Project C,’ National Grid’s renewed commitment to our communities.”

Important initiatives like the Campaign for Equity are part of National Grid’s “Project C” Commitment to Community. National Grid has a long, proud legacy of community involvement and there is an opportunity to have an even greater impact. National Grid continues to bring the clean energy future to customers and recognize their responsibility to ensure nobody is left behind in that transition. From neighborhood beautification to workforce development, National Grid is moving beyond conventional energy delivery service by helping to create a more equitable future for every customer and neighborhood they serve.”

National Grid has been a trusted partner to UWNYC in giving, support through COVID, volunteering, and helping share the organization’s message of building an equitable New York City, founded on environmental justice and social equity. As a community focused company, National Grid and its dedicated employees work to impact the lives of residents in New York City’s communities by giving time, talent, and resources by supporting a wide spectrum of UWNYC’s initiatives including the organization’s cabinets, Loaned Executives program, affinity groups, workplace campaigns, and signature events.

“National Grid has and will continue to fight for diversity, equality and inclusion,” said Lorraine M. Lynch, Group Head of Audit at National Grid. Lynch also serves on United Way of New York City’s Board of Directors and advocates on behalf of the organization’s Campaign for Equity. “We are excited about the Campaign for Equity, which will result in tangible changes in the lives of those most affected by the pandemic.  As one of the focus areas for ‘Project C,’ this extended partnership will allow us to look holistically at communities we serve and to improve customers’ basic necessities such as healthcare and housing. In that way, we feel we can make the biggest impact. By helping those neighbors most in need, we believe we can lift up the entire community.”

“New York City’s communities of color need our support in achieving environmental justice and opportunity for economic mobility,” said Sheena Wright, President and CEO of United Way of New York City. “National Grid’s commitment to the Campaign for Equity is an actionable example of taking a stand to rebuild an equitable New York City, where all of our residents can become equipped to thrive.”

National Grid’s ongoing commitment to UWNYC has helped provide one-on-one literacy to improve reading proficiency helping 96% of participants increase their reading level overall; free dental screenings helping 100% of participants with severe or emergency dental problems received follow-up services; provide 800 residents with free tax prep and financial services helping participants receive $600,000 in refunds that were pumped back into a community where the average income is only $16,000 per year. As a Campaign for Equity partner, National Grid is poised to help UWNYC bring further access to healthcare, workforce development, small business support, criminal justice reform, educational resources, and economic mobility to New York City’s Black and brown neighborhoods.

About United Way of New York City
United Way of New York City (UWNYC) fights for the self-sufficiency of every low-income New Yorker by taking on the toughest challenges and creating new solutions to old problems. We win by helping families shift from barely surviving to thriving. We unite by mobilizing the best ideas, relevant data, internal and external experts, and resources—from money to manpower. UWNYC maximizes impact by coordinating and aligning organizations, companies, local government, and New Yorkers to help families eliminate tough choices and live better while making ends meet. To learn more, visit United Way of New York City’s website.

About National Grid
National Grid (NYSE: NGG) is an electricity, natural gas, and clean energy delivery company serving more than 20 million people through our networks in New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. National Grid is transforming our electricity and natural gas networks with smarter, cleaner, and more resilient energy solutions to meet the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As part of our commitment to a clean energy future, National Grid is a Principal Partner for COP26, the United Nation’s November 2021 global climate summit. For more information, please visit the National Grid website.