2027 CitizensNYC Community Leaders Grants
Now accepting applications: CitizensNYC has announced a Community Leaders Grant application cycle opening November 2, 2026, with applications due February 1, 2027, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The current grant application cycle opened November 2, 2026. The official grant page also displays an “Apply Now” link; prospective applicants should follow the actual portal availability.
Amount and eligible projects
Competitive microgrants provide up to $5,000 per community project. The funder has not published a guaranteed minimum individual grant or a fixed overall allocation for this cycle. Supported community-oriented work can address food assistance, health and wellness, neighborhood public safety, local arts, education and youth, environmental initiatives, climate resilience, and other resident-led neighborhood improvements.
Applicant eligibility
Applicants must reside in one of New York City’s five boroughs and operate a community-oriented, non-profit-generating project with at least two volunteers. Eligible organizations include grassroots volunteer groups and qualifying small nonprofits. The group’s project budget must be less than $250,000, except that schools and school programs are exempt from that budget limit. Groups cannot be chapters or affiliates of larger organizations or use the project to promote a religious, political, or other ideology. A large established nonprofit is not automatically eligible.
Application, use of funds and restrictions
Applications are evaluated on clarity, quality-of-life impact, community engagement and need. The official 2027 sample application asks for the group’s story, a substantive project description, a practical implementation timeline and a grant-use budget of at most $5,000. The sample states that funded project activities must occur June 2027 through May 2028. The sample illustrates allowable project-related goods, food, supplies, printing and local delivery; it is an example, not a blanket authorization of every expense. The funder does not publish a universal matching-funds requirement or reimbursement arrangement on the reviewed program page; ask CitizensNYC about any cost-specific restrictions before committing expenses.
How to apply
Review the official Community Leaders Grant page, then use its linked WizeHive application portal. The official 2027 sample application PDF is a partial example and does not replace the live application. Prepare a project narrative, specific volunteer participation, 2027-2028 activity timeline and an itemized grant-use budget. Submit no later than February 1, 2027, 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. CitizensNYC provides office hours and can answer applicant questions at grants@citizensnyc.org.
Official sources: CitizensNYC grant instructions and dates and 2027 sample application. Official-source research verified November 1, 2026. This is a genuine community grant, not a procurement contract or a funding allocation.