CitizensNYC, founded in 1975 as one of the nation’s first micro-funding organizations, provides financial and capacity-building support to New York City neighborhood leaders who are making their communities more connected, resilient, and healthier. We make more than $1 million in microgrants each year in support of hundreds of volunteer-led initiatives, small nonprofits, small businesses, and public schools across the five boroughs. Beyond grant making, we are a convener and capacity-builder for local leaders. Through our interconnected programs, we foster a network where community leaders come together to share knowledge, access expertise and resources, and develop solutions that strengthen the social and economic fabric of New York City.
CitizensNYC awards microgrants of up to $5,000 to community-building projects carried out by resident-led groups to improve neighborhood life, strengthen local leadership, and scale community partnerships. Projects addressing food justice at the neighborhood level – including community gardens, food pantries, nutrition and food education programs, and compost initiatives – are a significant portion of our annual grantmaking.