| Image [cropped] via NaFFAA New York
NEW YORK — The National Federation of Filipino American Associations New York (NaFFAA NY) has secured $1 million in federal Community Project Funding to advance the development of a long‑awaited Filipino American Community Center in New York City — a milestone leaders describe as historic for one of the fastest‑growing Asian American communities in the state.
The funding, included in the federal appropriations bill championed by U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and signed into law on February 3, 2026, builds on earlier federal support for the project. Once completed, the center will serve as a permanent, multicultural hub for leadership development, civic engagement, cultural programming, and community services.
“This funding is a major step forward in ensuring the Filipino American community has a place to gather, organize, and access vital resources,” Schumer said. “Filipino Americans have made enormous contributions to New York and our nation, and this investment helps ensure their voices, culture, and leadership continue to thrive.”
A Permanent Home for Filipino Culture and Community
NaFFAA NY President Rachelle Peraz Ocampo said the grant brings the organization significantly closer to establishing a centralized space that unites educational, cultural, and social services currently scattered across multiple groups. The envisioned center will serve Filipino families, seniors, youth, and the broader Little Manila community in Queens.
“We are grateful to Senator Schumer for his advocacy to ensure the Filipino community is not overlooked,” Ocampo said. “This $1 million investment in capital funding brings us closer to building a shared community space where our families, seniors, youth, and Little Manila neighbors can thrive.”
The project also reflects years of coalition‑building and advocacy within NaFFAA’s national network. Co‑founder Loida Nicolas Lewis praised the New York chapter’s persistence, calling the award “a significant recognition of the Fil‑Am community in New York” and emphasizing that the center will strengthen relationships among diverse Filipino groups across the city.
A Milestone in Filipino American Representation
The federal investment marks one of the largest awards ever secured by a Filipino‑led organization in New York State. It also aligns with broader efforts to expand Filipino cultural infrastructure nationwide, following similar community‑center initiatives in states like California, Hawaii, and Florida.
In Queens — home to the vibrant Little Manila in Woodside — the center is expected to consolidate resources and streamline access to cultural, educational, and social programs. According to federal project documents, the facility will promote social cohesion, economic vitality, and community empowerment for both Filipino Americans and their neighbors.
Representative Grace Meng, who secured more than $1.6 million in federal funding for NaFFAA NY in 2024, said such investments ensure Queens receives the resources it deserves. “I will never stop fighting for Queens and working to bring back resources from Washington that improve services, safety, and quality of life for residents,” she said.
Next Steps Toward a Long-Awaited Vision
With the new $1 million allocation, NaFFAA NY will continue planning and development work, including site preparation, architectural design, and community consultations. Leaders say the center will eventually host cultural exhibits, youth leadership programs, senior services, and civic‑engagement workshops — all under one roof.
For many Filipino New Yorkers, the project represents more than infrastructure; it symbolizes belonging. As Ocampo noted, the center will be “a dedicated space for our community to come together, celebrate our Filipino heritage, and access valuable resources.”
Once completed, the Filipino American Community Center will stand as a landmark of visibility, unity, and cultural pride — a testament to decades of advocacy and the growing influence of the Filipino diaspora in New York City.
