Small Community Fund

Administered by the Broome County Department of Planning and Economic Development, the Small Community Fund is one of several community improvement grant opportunities supported by revenues from the County’s hotel and motel occupancy tax. The program is designed to enhance community character, encourage economic development, and establish Broome County as a unique and vibrant destination. It is structured to support local municipalities, school districts, and nonprofit organizations with projects that align with the goals outlined in the Broome County Comprehensive Plan. The 2026 application cycle opens with a deadline of March 31, 2026, at 4:00 PM. Questions about the program must be submitted by March 27, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced in May 2026, with funds available for up to 12 months from the date of award. Grants are provided on a reimbursement basis and are subject to contract execution through the Broome County Law Department. The 2026 funding pool totals $500,000. Although no explicit award ceiling or floor is set, the average grant size in 2025 was $20,000. While no matching funds are required, applicants who can demonstrate financial leverage or co-investment may receive favorable review. Eligible projects include community asset development and enhancement, small-scale construction, equipment purchases, feasibility studies, conceptual and area planning, design or engineering work, and events that are part of broader community asset initiatives. Activities that solely involve one-off events or festival programming unrelated to physical community improvement are more appropriately directed to Broome County’s Economic Development and Marketing Fund. Costs related to salaries (except for specific implementation tasks), operations, travel, food, and taxes are ineligible. Only entities exempt from sales tax may apply, and such taxes are not reimbursable under this program. Applicants must be either a municipality, school district, or nonprofit with current IRS tax-exempt status. If the project will take place on privately owned land, a formal agreement must be established with the property owner and disclosed in the application. All submitted applications must be complete and must clearly demonstrate how the project contributes to one or more of the County’s vision priorities—these include investments in community resilience, economic vibrancy, urban and village center renewal, scenic beauty, and support for artists and entrepreneurs. The application process is conducted via email submission. Applications must be submitted to [email protected], and follow the format and instructions provided in the application packet available at the County’s planning department website. Evaluation is conducted by the Community Improvement Grant Committee, which includes the County Executive, Chair of the Legislature, and the Director of Planning. This committee considers factors such as completeness, community impact, alignment with County goals, leveraging of funds, long-term sustainability, and contributions to Broome County’s image. Payments are not made automatically upon award but must be requested with supporting documentation such as W-9 forms, invoices, and proof of cost. Payment may take up to a month to process and cannot be requested more than once per quarter. All awarded funds must be fully expended within one year unless an approved extension is granted. The program emphasizes accountability, transparency, and alignment with long-term county planning.

Preference given to projects with clear long-term benefits, leveraged funds, and alignment with County vision goals.