Investing in Neighborhood Leaders Across New York City
CitizensNYC is a nonprofit organization that supports community leadership and neighborhood businesses, brings New Yorkers together, and gives them the resources and power to create lasting change across all five boroughs.
We make direct cash grants to hundreds of New Yorkers each year who have ideas to improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods. Our Community Leaders Grants support projects with grants of up to $5,000, and our Neighborhood Business Grants support local businesses with grants of up to $5,000.
We are currently accepting applications for our Community Leaders Grants.
The deadline for submitting applications is July 25th.〰️
We are currently accepting applications for our Community Leaders Grants. The deadline for submitting applications is July 25th.〰️
Join us at CitizensNYC’s 50th Anniversary Gala
For five decades, we've partnered with community leaders who are making a real difference in neighborhoods across NYC.
In 2025, CitizensNYC marks 50 years of partnering with community leaders across the New York City to make an impact in their neighborhoods.
Please save the date to join us on Monday, June 2nd at the Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers as we celebrate this milestone.
The New Yorkers for New York Gala annually recognizes the community, business, political, and philanthropic leaders who are committed to investing in and elevating New Yorkers at the forefront of change in their neighborhoods.
Grantmaking
We provide direct cash grants for community projects and neighborhood businesses that improve the quality of life in New York City.
We are currently accepting applications for our Spring grant cycle. Click below to learn more and apply.
Our Partners
Connection is at the heart of our work, and we are proud to partner with grassroots leaders, small business owners, philanthropic supporters, elected leaders, and city agencies to advance our vision of ensuring that every neighborhood in New York City has the resources and opportunities for its community members to thrive.
Support CitizensNYC
Our grantmaking and programs are made possible by generous philanthropic support from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government leaders committed to strengthening NYC communities. Join us by making a donation, volunteering with our partners, and sharing our grant opportunities!
Guiding Principles
We believe that when committed individuals are brought together, they are greater than the sum of their parts. That communities are stronger when they see the ties that bind them together.
We believe in the power of diverse leadership in creating a stronger city, and we prioritize supporting community groups with leaders who represent the communities they are from. The people closest to the inequities and shortfalls that exist here in New York City are the ones best situated to address them, and least likely to be given the chance to do so.
We believe the communities we serve don’t need to be told what to do to improve their neighborhoods – they simply need the tools to do it. CitizensNYC exists to provide this support.
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