Senator Kirsten Gillibrand proposed $1 billion in grants and loans yesterday for her "Healthy Food Financing Initiative," aimed at building grocery stores in areas that lack access to fresh food. AP reports that the measure would try to help almost four million New York residents living in "food deserts" by providing startup grants for 350 new grocery stores statewide. She said, "By building new grocery stores in underserved areas across the state we can give people the opportunity to live longer, healthier lives, save billions in health care costs, and create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs." more ›

State Senate President Malcolm Smith continues to stir up Albany's bubbling, troubling cauldron of corruption today—now he's being accused of steering a $150,000 grant to a well-connected, politically-active business group. more ›

The Federation of Students and Nominally or Unemployed Artists, or if you prefer: the Generosity Foundation, recently handed out free money in Union Square. The catch? You just need to explain what creative endeavour the money will go towards. They explain, "We give small, unsecured grants in the form of $10-$60 for creative projects thought up on the spot by everyday people." This time around they had $1000 to hand out, after each member raised $100 themselves. more ›