About NYC PLF

The New York City People's Life Fund, established July 4, 1971 at the height of the Vietnam War, continues its efforts to link the peace and social justice movements.

The Fund, formed as a repository for war tax resistance moneys and contributions, rechannels resisted war tax moneys to life-giving activities. Through the years it has continued to operate as a life-enhancing link to war tax resistance. Today, more than ever, its activities serve a vital need. The New York City People's Life Fund was established at the height of government war spending, the largest portion of which was the Vietnam War. At that time military expenditures reached a high of 60% of the federal budget. This spending siphoned off moneys desperately needed for the poor, the elderly, the disabled, minority groups and veterans. As the military dominated thinking, so it dominated spending. Today, in the midst of the war in Iraq and other military exploits, the Fund's activities are needed more than ever before.

Now, as then, it is the aim of the Life Fund to redirect moneys into communities that are underserved by government. A recycling program that offers information and facilities for recycling, a church-operated soup kitchen that reaches out to poor neighborhoods, a theatre group that offers entertainment as well as understanding and support for people's hopes and aspirations—these are just a few examples of groups funded in the past.

As the Fund reaches its 45th year, we look forward to continuing its much needed work and strengthening the life instinct that resides in all humans.

NYC People's Life Fund
Info about the fund