[Rochester Area Community Foundation](https://www.racf.org)

February 2027 (Full application deadline, projected)

Up to $10,000 per grant; total pool approx. $300,000 annually

Supports community-driven projects by neighborhood groups and organizations to strengthen and connect neighborhoods in Rochester, NY.

Forecasted grant cycle; eligibility limited to groups serving the City of Rochester.

--- ## Description NIA (Neighbors in Action) is a grant program designed to empower residents and community organizations in the City of Rochester, NY, to take purposeful action in improving and connecting their neighborhoods. The program provides small grants and resources for a wide variety of community-driven projects, including beautification, gardening, clean-ups, public art, neighborhood festivals, youth and senior activities, and more. NIA is a partnership between the City of Rochester, ESL Federal Credit Union, and Rochester Area Community Foundation, with the aim to foster local leadership, collaboration, and positive change at the neighborhood level. --- ## Due Dates - February 2027 (anticipated/projected full application deadline) _All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates._ --- ## Funding Amount - Typical grant size: $250 – $10,000 per project - Annual funding pool: Approximately $300,000 available for distribution each cycle --- ## Eligibility - **Applicant Type:** - Neighborhood associations, block clubs, and other community organizations (including business, landlord, tenant, faith, and youth groups) serving specific neighborhoods in the City of Rochester. - **Geographic Restriction:** - Projects must serve individuals within the City of Rochester, NY. - **Organizational Status:** - Applicants must be classified as a 501(c)(3) or a 509(a)(1) public organization. - Organizations without this status must apply through a fiscal sponsor. - **Eligible Projects:** - Community beautification and gardening - Clean-up and maintenance initiatives - Murals and public art (excluding banners/signage for this cycle) - Neighborhood festivals and events (excluding those requiring security or permit costs) - Organized youth activities --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted via the [Rochester Area Community Foundation grant portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=racfg). - First-time users must create an account; existing users can log in with existing credentials. - For technical assistance with the portal, email [grants@racf.org](mailto:grants@racf.org). - For program-related questions or help with applications, contact your Neighborhood Service Center (see below). --- ## Additional Information - NIA is a collaboration between the City of Rochester, ESL Federal Credit Union, and Rochester Area Community Foundation. - The program has a longstanding history of supporting grassroots initiatives to enhance neighborhood vitality and resident engagement. - Notification of grant decisions typically occurs about one month after the application deadline. --- ## External Links - [NIA Grant Program Overview](https://www.racf.org/grant/nia) - [NIA Program Details & History](https://www.racf.org/grants/nia-overview/) - [Online Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=racfg) - [City of Rochester NIA Page](https://www.cityofrochester.gov/departments/neighborhood-and-business-development/neighbors-action-nia) --- ## Contact Information | Quadrant | Email | Address | |---------------|--------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------| | Northwest | [NW-NIA@CityofRochester.gov](mailto:NW-NIA@CityofRochester.gov) | 400 Dewey Avenue, Rochester, NY 14613 | | Northeast | [NE-NIA@CityofRochester.gov](mailto:NE-NIA@CityofRochester.gov) | 500 Norton St, Rochester, NY 14621 | | Southwest | [SW-NIA@CityofRochester.gov](mailto:SW-NIA@CityofRochester.gov) | 923 Genesee St, Rochester, NY 14611 | | Southeast | [SE-NIA@CityofRochester.gov](mailto:SE-NIA@CityofRochester.gov) | 320 N Goodman St – Suite 209, Rochester, NY 14607 | | Grant Portal Support | [grants@racf.org](mailto:grants@racf.org) | — |

NIA — Neighbors in Action

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