CitizensNYC awards micro-grants up to $3,000 to community building projects carried out by resident-led groups to improve neighborhood life, strengthen local leadership, and scale community partnerships. Grassroots leaders know and have what it takes to roll up their sleeves and make change to boost civic engagement, neighborhood wealth, and community health. 

Community leaders are indispensable to New York City as they bring forth the grassroots vision, passion, and local know-how vital for authentic and sustainable community development. We recognize that you understand your community's needs better than anyone else and have the commitment and insight to enact real change. Through your projects, community residents come together to exchange ideas, strengthen traditions, and improve the quality of life in your neighborhoods.

Applications are currently closed, and we will update this page with information on future grant opportunities. You can reference our evaluation criteria here, download a copy of the application here, and view sample narrative responses here.

If you submitted an application prior to the March 1 deadline, you will hear back on the grant decision in summer 2024. If you have any questions please contact: grants@citizensnyc.org.  

The Community Leaders Grant program is made possible by support from our philanthropic partners, including Apple Bank, Bessemer Trust Company, Citi, Con Edison, Google, MetLife Foundation, M&T Bank, MUFG, National Grid Foundation, Siegel Family Endowment, Sony, The Staten Island Foundation, TD Bank, Verizon, our Board of Directors, and many generous individuals.