NIA — Neighbors in Action Grant

NIA — Neighbors in Action Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Rochester Area Community Foundation
Amount: US $250 - US $10,000
Last Updated: January 16, 2026

Summary

The NIA — Neighbors in Action program, initiated in 2025, aims to empower community-driven projects in Rochester. With grants ranging from $250 to $10,000, it invites neighborhood associations, block clubs, and community organizations to apply. Established to revitalize local neighborhoods, NIA promotes resident engagement and action. Since its inception, it has funded numerous initiatives to enhance community connections and foster collaboration among residents, striving for a more connected and vibrant Rochester.

Overview

History In 1993, the NeighborGood Fund was established with that first gift of $1,012 made in honor of former Rochester City Council President Ruth H. Scott (Scott later served on the Foundation’s board of directors and was its first African American chair). Soon after, individuals and families with funds at the Foundation made contributions to the new fund focused on rebuilding City of Rochester neighborhoods, promoting resident action on local issues, and engaging neighbors with neighbors. Since awarding its first grants in 1998, the NeighborGood Grant program has distributed 678 grants totaling more than $945,766 to help stabilize and strengthen city neighborhoods. Over the years, the grants have supported community newsletters and signs, street festivals, t-shirts, porch decorating contests, beautification efforts, gardens, murals, welcome baskets, and more. In 2024, Mayor Malik D. Evans, ESL Federal Credit Union, and the Community Foundation came together to evolve the program. The City surveyed community members and hosted in-person, public meetings at which residents could learn about the initiative and share personal insights about the needs of their neighborhoods. NIA opened its first grant round, with more available funding and support for grantees, in January of 2025. NIA — Neighbors in Action NIA (NEE-uh) offers resources and small grants to support community-driven projects and is open to all neighborhood associations, block clubs, and other community organizations in the City of Rochester. NIA encourages participation from everyone who is passionate about making Rochester a more connected city whose residents are involved in improving their neighborhoods. Funding $250 – $10,000.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Our grants support organizations engaged in charitable activities, generally within our eight-county service area of Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Wayne, and Yates Applicants must be classified by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization or a 509(a)(1) public organization. (If not, you must have a fiscal sponsor for this request). Your organization must be in one of the following categories: Neighborhood Association- Have a broad mission and broader coverage than block clubs, focus on a wide range of neighborhood issues, and are capable of facilitating activities for smaller groups. Other Community Organizations – business associations, landlord associations, tenants associations, faith and youth groups that focus on a particular neighborhood. Block Club – Smaller in focus than neighborhood associations, usually organized by residents on one street or block. If approved for funding, the funds must be used to serve individuals in the City of Rochester.