If you run a grassroots community group and are working on a project to support your neighborhood, you may be able to get a small grant to help you achieve your goals. 

The Citizens Committee for New York City (CitizensNYC) has opened up the application period for its “All in Neighborhood Grants,” which provide direct cash assistance to support community building projects carried out by resident-led groups. 

Each grantee will receive up to $5,000 and will also gain access to the CitizensNYC’s network of community leaders to help implement and support their projects.

Examples of groups that may be eligible for the grants include block associations, tenants’ associations, civic groups, community gardens, student groups, PTAs and staffed non-profits, among others. 

Some examples of the kind of work CitizensNYC supports include increasing accessibility to healthy food, youth mentoring, college prep, career trainings, activities to support mental and physical health, bridging the digital divide, cleaning up streets and green spaces and more. 

This year, the grants will also go to grassroots organizations trying to meet immediate needs related to COVID-19 and Hurricane Ida. 

Children pictured at an event run by CitizensNYC grant partner Seeds in the Middle. The organization set up a farm stand outside of PS 178 in Brownsville to promote nutrition in the community. 

The application period will be open until this upcoming Summer. In total, CitizensNYC plans to give out roughly $1 million in grants. 

“Local residents are best situated to enact change in their neighborhoods. That is core to CitizensNYC’s mission, as exemplified by our All In Neighborhood Grant program,” Dr. Rahsaan Harris, CEO of CitizensNYC, said in a statement provided to Bushwick Daily. 

Last spring, the organization, which is made up of small business owners, activists and artists, awarded more than $1 million in small grants to 278 community groups throughout the city. This year, the goal is to reach even more New Yorkers. 

The application process is very simple and relatively quick. Those interested in applying for a grant can do so here.

Featured image: CitizensNYC CEO Dr. Rahsaan Harris promoting launch of the All in Neighborhood Grant program.

All images provided by CitizensNYC

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