Community Corner

Deadline Approaching for Neighborhood Improvement Grants

The Citizens Committee for New York City is offering close to 200 Neighborhood Improvement Grants of up to $3,000 for community groups

Have you been wanting to turn that empty lot up your block into a community garden? Or maybe, you’ve read about a special education or music program you’d like to see implemented at your child’s school. Or perhaps, you need the funds to sponsor a healthy food table at an annual summer fair.

Well, the Citizens Committee for New York City is offering close to 200 Neighborhood Improvement Grants of up to $3,000 for community groups across the five boroughs who apply by Monday, January 31st, 2001.

The deadline is approaching fast, but the application is available online, and takes only 1-2 hours to apply.

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“These grants are really designed for communities who want to change their neighborhood for the better,” said Andrew Gounardes, Director of External Affairs of Citizens Committee for New York City. “The process is easy and the project does not have to be major. It’s for the little things in the community that potentially can have a huge impact.”

In just one weekend, with a little effort, your community group in Bed-Stuy will be considered for a cash award to help strengthen the neighborhood or beautify its façade with projects, such as a community garden or special mural.

Find out what's happening in Bed-Stuywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Neighborhood groups who receive a cash grant also will receive the project planning assistance and skills-building workshops needed to make their project a success. 

“We encourage all community-based and neighborhood groups, including block and civic associations, schools, BIDs, gardening groups, merchant associations, and houses of worship to apply for a grant.  Groups do not need to be a registered 501(c)(3) to get an award from Citizens Committee,” said Peter Kostmayer, CEO of Citizens Committee for New York City.

Groups may download  an application or complete the application online by January 31. The application is available in both English and Spanish. Grants will be awarded in early April.  For more information about the grants, applicants can call 212-989-0909 and speak with Arif Ullah or Saleen Shah. 


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