Neighborhood Greening Grants

The Neighborhood Greening Grants, offered by the Syracuse Parks Conservancy, aim to enhance local community spaces through targeted initiatives. Grants of up to $2000 are available for projects led by local residents, promoting stewardship of parks and recreational areas. Eligible applicants include neighborhood associations and community groups that seek to improve quality of life through environmental enhancements. The program encourages volunteer involvement and aims to strengthen community bonds while fostering sustainable practices.

The Syracuse Parks Conservancy (SPC) believes that well-kept community spaces contribute to the life and vitality of neighborhoods. By taking care of our neighborhood environment, we create places where residents can gather and interact, thus strengthening the neighborhood’s social fabric and improving its quality of life.
In cooperation with the Central New York Community Foundation and the Syracuse Department of Parks, Recreation, and Youth Programs, the Neighborhood Greening Grants Program awards up to $2000 in grants to support small, targeted initiatives that provide resources, training and support to organizations that work to improve their communities through park and recreation center stewardship. SPC especially encourages initiatives that are planned and implemented primarily by neighborhood/community-based groups led by local area residents.
What Are Some Sample Projects:

• Community garden and rain garden development and improvement
• Park clean-up
• Beautification of neighborhood entrances
• Trail development

Vacant lot cleanup and restoration projectsFunded items can include plant materials, park signs, maintenance tools, playground mulch, recreational activity equipment, and other needed supplies
Awards
Groups will be notified of a decision by Syracuse Parks Conservancy staff via phone, email and/or mail within ten (10) business days.
Grants are awarded on a rolling basis in amounts not to exceed $2000 per grant. The Syracuse Parks Conservancy reserves the right to consider a second or more grants from the same neighborhood /community on a case-by-case basis. A report on the outcomes of the grant is required within one month after completion.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants:Locally led neighborhood associations, schools, park associations, faith-based organizations and other community groups in the city of Syracuse
Applicant must have permission of property owner and/or Department of Parks
Applicant must have formal tax-exempt status as a 501(c)(3) organization or
If not a formal 501(c)(3) organization, the applicant must have a fiscal agent agreement with an organization with 501(c)(3) statusProjects that Qualify:Projects that occur in Syracuse on vacant lots or property owned by the Syracuse Department of Parks.
Projects that involve volunteers in the implementation and maintenance of the project.
Projects that have not already taken place.
Projects proposed by groups with open Neighborhood Greening Grants will not be accepted until a final report has been submitted.Projects Should:Engage volunteers in project development, implementation and maintenance.
Provide opportunities for community member involvement.
Build leadership within the community.
Occur in a neighborhood with a need for financial assistance for the project proposed.
Provide concrete improvements to the neighborhood environment with a logical plan for maintenance and sustainability.

Ineligibility

Projects that Do Not Qualify:Support for operating expenses (including fundraisers).
Loans or assistance to individuals.
Projects that benefit properties owned by private organizations, private schools, businesses, religious institutions or individuals.