The Community Leaders Grant is a microgrant initiative administered by the Citizens Committee for New York City (CitizensNYC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting grassroots initiatives that uplift neighborhoods and empower residents. This program is supported by a wide network of philanthropic partners, including major corporations such as Amazon, Apple Bank, Citi, Con Edison, Google, and others. CitizensNYC offers these grants to promote community involvement, enhance local leadership, and build sustainable community partnerships throughout New York City.
This grant provides funding of up to $5,000 to resident-led, community-oriented projects that seek to improve neighborhood life across New York City’s five boroughs. These microgrants are meant to support nonprofit initiatives or grassroots volunteer groups with annual budgets under $250,000, though schools and school programs are exempt from this budgetary restriction. Eligible projects must include at least two volunteers, must not be profit-generating, must not be a chapter or affiliate of a larger organization, and must not advocate for religious, political, or ideological causes.
CitizensNYC has implemented a two-cycle grant schedule for 2025. The first cycle opens on November 4, 2024, and closes on February 7, 2025, with funding decisions announced in May 2025. The second cycle begins on May 5, 2025, and closes on July 25, 2025, with award announcements in September 2025. Applicants who receive funding in the first cycle are ineligible for the second cycle, but those who are not awarded may reapply in the second round with an updated proposal.
Applications are evaluated on clarity, impact on quality of life, community engagement, and demonstrated need. To support applicants, CitizensNYC provides access to evaluation criteria, a downloadable application, and a sample completed application. Additionally, they offer information sessions and online office hours for direct support. Applicants are encouraged to attend these sessions or contact CitizensNYC directly via email at grants@citizensnyc.org for further assistance.
The program is headquartered at Citizens Committee for New York City, located at 461 W 126th St #5W, New York, NY 10027. With an emphasis on inclusivity and genuine community need, this grant opportunity invites local residents to be proactive in improving their neighborhoods through small but impactful initiatives.
