Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation is an advocacy and action nonprofit created by and for restaurant workers.

By addressing quality-of-life issues that disproportionately affect restaurant workers – 40% of whom live on poverty-level wages – we hope to strengthen the workforce and increase opportunities for advancement in the industry to more people. The restaurant industry is notorious for low wages, poor job mobility, high turnover, and burnout. Structural and cultural issues within the industry decrease quality-of-life and make long term work in the industry unsustainable for many. But it doesn’t have to be that way. That’s why we’re focused on:
  • Wage Fairness and Career Ladders

  • Gender Equity and Sexual Violence

  • Racial Justice and Support for the Immigrant Community

  • Mental Health and Substance Abuse

What We’re Doing

 ADVOCACY

We are advocates for doing things differently. Our public education seeks to change policy and workplace culture. One third of the funds we raise goes to our efforts to speak out for our community.

 GRANTMAKING

We are supporting other nonprofits that provide career training, conduct research on restaurant industry practices, and advocate for fair wage policies and worker rights. One third of our budget is dedicated to grantmaking.

IMPACT INVESTING

We are using our dollars to affect the industry in two ways – supporting restaurant businesses that operate ethically and, eventually, using investment strategies to engage in shareholder advocacy. One third of our funds go to impact investing.

How You Can Help

  • Sign up for our newsletter: stay connected to our community and be the first to know about our events and volunteer opportunities

  • Tell your friends and co-workers about @RWCFNYC on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram

  • Donate to support the community of restaurant workers across the country

  • Help us connect to major leaders in the restaurant industry who might want to support our work either by lending their name or financial resources.

Get Involved and Learn More