New York’s human services — childcare, mental health, homelessness prevention, services for older adults and people with disabilities — are delivered largely by nonprofits operating under government contracts that constitute a $16 billion (FY26) sector in New York City alone. Yet wages for the workforce delivering these services lag well behind the true cost of living in New York, forcing many workers — overwhelmingly women and people of color — to rely on the same public services they provide.
In 2022, nonprofit and former government executives converged on a structural solution: New York State legislation establishing a base pay floor tied to a true cost of living, with annual adjustments in line with a measure of inflation. They had a vision for a more equitable future and sought to build a campaign to bring it home.
Consulting Engagement
1digit was engaged to organize initial operations and subsequently manage fundraising for the campaign. Working with the executives, 1digit established a campaign name, BUMP – Bring Up Minimum Pay, facilitated stakeholder outreach and briefings, supported industry research, prepared preliminary budgets, established initial marketing materials (e.g., website, quarterly updates and one-pagers), and developed fundraising relationships securing more than $500,000 in foundation funding. More than three years later, the campaign has grown in size and influence.
Today, BUMP is a statewide campaign with legislation introduced in both houses of the New York State Legislature (S8337/A9082). 1digit is proud to have supported the operating foundation that made it possible.
