The Neighborhood Business Grant by CitizensNYC

Grant Overview

Donor: CitizensNYC

About: The Neighborhood Business Grant, offered by CitizensNYC, is a microgrant program designed to support small businesses in New York City that are committed to making a positive impact on their local communities. This initiative provides funding of up to $5,000 for projects that enhance community well-being, foster economic development, and strengthen neighborhood ties.

Launched by CitizensNYC, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering community leaders and neighborhood businesses, this grant program aligns with their mission to improve the quality of life across New York City’s five boroughs. CitizensNYC supports various community-building projects through direct cash grants, enabling local businesses to implement initiatives tailored to their communities’ unique needs.

The Neighborhood Business Grant program is part of CitizensNYC’s broader effort to foster civic engagement and support grassroots leadership. The organization partners with philanthropic supporters, elected leaders, and city agencies to ensure that every neighborhood in New York City has the resources necessary for its community members to thrive. The grants are awarded based on criteria such as need, relevance, urgency, and quality of life impact, ensuring that the funded projects have a meaningful and lasting effect on their communities .

CitizensNYC provides extensive support to applicants throughout the grant process, including information sessions and online office hours where potential grantees can discuss their project ideas and receive guidance on their applications. This support is crucial in helping small businesses navigate the application process and maximize their chances of securing funding .

For businesses looking to apply for the Neighborhood Business Grant, Grantaura offers comprehensive services to assist with the application process. Our expert team can help with grant research, document preparation (including business plans and project proposals), and application submission. We also provide support for crowdfunding and other fundraising efforts, ensuring that your business has the best possible chance of securing the funding it needs to make a positive impact on your community.

Focus: Community Development, Economic Justice, Entrepreneurship Training, Financial Counseling, Music Performing Arts, Public Housing, Sports and Recreation, Public Arts, Public Transportation, Senior Services, STEM, Tenants’ Organizations, Visual Arts, Women’s Rights OR Women’s Services, Youth Development.

Region: Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island – New York, USA

Eligibility:
-Business must be located in one of New York City’s five boroughs.
-The business has been operating for a minimum of two years.
-The business must have 10 or fewer employees.
-The business must be profit-generating.
-The business must be able to provide proof of business, such as bank statements, tax documents, and POS terminal statements.
–Business must employ no more than 10 full-time employees.
–Grant funds CAN NOT support business overhead costs, including rent or employee salaries beyond a $250 per person stipend
–Preference will be given to businesses that are:
—Owned by people of color,
—women, and/or immigrants,
—and proposals that focus on both physical and human infrastructure (technical system upgrades, location alterations, hiring support, marketing, training, PPE, etc.) will be prioritized.

Benefits:
-Annual grant awards of up to $5,000.
-Funding to support initiatives that positively impact the community, including arts and culture, education and youth, environment and climate, health and wellness, economic development, and public safety.
-Receive updates on available resources for small businesses.
-Be connected with other Neighborhood Business Grant recipients to exchange information and strategies for resilience.
-Be able to join a network of groups across the city, contributing year-round to improving the quality of life in their neighborhoods.
-Experience increased business awareness!

Deadline: First Grant Cycle: February 7, 2025, Second Grant Cycle July 25, 2025

Terms:
-Need: The extent to which the project addresses a critical need within the community.
-Relevance: The relevance of the project to the community’s priorities and the applicant’s ability to execute it effectively.
-Urgency: The timeliness of the project and its potential to address immediate community concerns.
-Quality of Life Impact: The project’s potential to enhance the overall quality of life for community members.
-Community Engagement: The level of community involvement and support for the project.
-Clarity: The clarity and completeness of the project proposal, including well-defined goals and a detailed implementation plan .