Neighborhood Preservation: Community Grants

NPC Newsletter February 11, 2025

Current actions of federal leadership have created great uncertainty for the future of local, state, and nonprofit projects that support healthy cities and towns. The Neighborhood Preservation Center continues, however, to remain dedicated to supporting collaboration and resilience in community planning across urban, suburban and rural communities alike. Of course, funding is top of mind for many organizations and while we had planned to dedicate this newsletter to grant opportunities, the issue has become even more urgent.

We are grateful to leaders across the spectrum who fund programs that support neighborhood initiatives including local and regional community foundations. (Find your local community foundation here.)

Municipal and state governments continue to invest in preservation and economic development activities. We have identified some sources and will continue to share resources that assist in our goals of safe, vibrant, and liveable neighborhoods.

Thank you for your dedication to our neighborhoods!

Resources for Small Business and Non-profit Community Organizations

Pace University Small Business Development Center: Grants for Business Launch and Growth

• The Small Business Development Center at Pace University maintains a list of available grant opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs. The grants include privately funded opportunities and grants provided through the public sector containing a range of potential options for businesses that help create thriving, diverse communities.

The New York Foundation: Core Grants

• New York Foundation Core Grants are designed for non-profit applicants who use community organizing and grass-roots advocacy as foundations for addressing systemic change in order to achieve equitable policies. Additionally, the fund seeks to support recently formed organizations in underresourced areas that require access to resources to help them thrive and grow.

Citizens Committee for New York City: The Community Leaders Grant

• The Community Leaders Grant accepts applications for non-profit, resident-led projects throughout the city, awarding various ‘microgrants’ to those who apply. The next grant round will open on May 5th.

Project for Public Spaces, Community Placemaking Grants: Civic Spaces.

• This grant supports collaborative efforts between two nonprofits or public agencies working with nonprofits in the Northeast to create indoor pop-up spaces that promote civic and social life in diverse and low-income communities. Deadline is February 21st.

The New York Community Trust: Arts, Culture & Historic Preservation New York City

• Funds available for a variety of purposes from helping arts organizations attract broader audiences to fostering collaborations between preservation organizations and community groups.

Historic Preservation Grants in NYC

An important contributor to maintaining the cultural identities of city neighborhoods, New York City government supports preservation opportunities available throughout the five boroughs. 

The New York Landmarks Conservancy: NYC Historic Properties Fund

• Started in 1982, this fund is one of the largest private revolving funds specifically for historic preservation work in the country. This fund provides low-interest loans and project management assistance to preservation projects primarily located in low- to moderate-income communities. 

The New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission: Historic Preservation Grant Program

• This program supports façade restoration efforts by not-for-profit organizations and income-eligible property owners within historic districts. Both of these programs are essential pathways for historic property owners and non-profits dedicated to preserving the built heritage of their neighborhoods.

Historic Preservation Grants, New York State

Statewide opportunities for historic preservation come under the umbrella of the Consolidated Funding Application process. Regional Economic Development Councils serve as the voice for the 10 NYS regions, identifying priorities for their areas as part of efforts to direct state investment in support of job creation and economic growth.

Have a question or idea about your neighborhood preservation project?

Share your thoughts, suggestions, or resources by emailing us at:

info@nycnpc.org

NPC Newsletter Contributors

L. Danielle Cylich: NPC Board Member, Danielle chairs the Program Committee and is always ready to share enthusiasm about the rich history and beauty found in the built environment and in protecting our natural resources.

Shannen Smiley: An early-career professional, Shannen's work has been motivated by the intersections of social justice and heritage, with a particular interest in broadening the accessibility of preservation tools. 

The Neighborhood Preservation Center is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing and enabling conversations about the need for community space - both physical and virtual - in order to improve the urban environment and quality of life.

We work to facilitate mutually beneficial connections between like-minded groups in the livable cities sector, share resources and champion neighborhoods.