Manhattan Community Awards Program 2026

The Manhattan Community Award Program (MCAP) is an initiative of the Office of the Manhattan Borough President designed to support small-scale, community-based projects that serve the diverse needs of Manhattan residents. The program is funded through contracts with three New York City agencies, including the Department of Corrections (DOC) and the Department of Education (DOE). Applicants are required to align their proposals with the mission and objectives of one of the partner agencies, making agency selection a critical part of the application process. The MCAP for Fiscal Year 2026 is currently open, with a strict submission deadline of August 29, 2025, at 5:00 PM. There will be no extensions granted under any circumstances. MCAP is a reimbursement-based grant, with funding levels ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. Projects contracted via the Department of Education are capped at $5,000. The funds must be used for eligible expense-based programming, and all purchases or services must be completed no later than June 30 of the relevant fiscal year to qualify for reimbursement. The program does not support capital improvements, travel expenses, or gift cards. Additionally, stipends or salaries must comprise less than 50% of the total grant request. All applicants must provide proof of insurance, and any religious organizations applying must have a 501(c)(3) designation specifically as a human service organization. Only programs conducted within the geographic boundaries of Manhattan are eligible for funding. The program's funding priorities for FY26 include climate mitigation and resiliency, education, anti-gun violence initiatives, and composting. Specific focus areas include public engagement on local resiliency efforts, green roofs, hydroponics, and community gardens. Educational initiatives may involve sports, after-school physical education, youth arts, and wellness programs. Anti-gun violence efforts can include community intervention, arts-based social justice programs, and school partnerships. Composting programs may support senior engagement and broader community awareness around sustainability practices. Applicants must complete an online application that details how the funds will be used, describes the organization’s operations, and outlines the proposed project. Evaluation criteria include organizational capacity, project description, project budget, and demonstrated need for MCAP funding. Reviewers will assess the applicant's fiscal health, governance, leadership, and project management history. They expect clear timelines, measurable goals and outcomes, and a compelling justification for why MCAP support is necessary. Technical restrictions apply, including that any organization with an existing profile in the application database must request a password reset by August 22, 2025, if needed. It is strongly encouraged that applications begin prior to this date to avoid disqualification due to access issues. The application portal is live now and accepting proposals. For questions, applicants may contact Nelson S. Andino at nandino@www.manhattanbp.nyc.gov (212-669-8145), or Maytee Cariño at mcarino@www.manhattanbp.nyc.gov (212-669-8858). Additional inquiries may be directed to Amy Slattery at aslattery@www.manhattanbp.nyc.gov (212-669-2392). The program operates from the main office at the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building, 1 Centre Street, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10007, with a secondary location at 431 West 125th Street, New York, NY 10027.

Applicants must begin the application before August 22, 2025, to ensure access to the system. No extensions granted.