How much funding does Renaissance Block Challenge (RBC) provide?

Renaissance Block Challenge (RBC) provides Up to $2,000 per property in funding.

When is the deadline for Renaissance Block Challenge (RBC)?

This grant has a rolling deadline or the deadline has not been announced.

Renaissance Block Challenge (RBC)

JAMESTOWN RENAISSANCE CORPORATION

Foundation Annual Community Development Grants Small Business Grants

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Funding Amount

Up to $2,000 per property

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Renaissance Block Challenge (RBC)

Funder: Jamestown Renaissance Corporation

Program Status: Active; ninth consecutive year as of 2019; current status unknown as of 2026-04-03

Award Amount: Up to $2,000 per property for matching grants

Geographic Scope: Jamestown, New York neighborhoods; 2019 focused on area around Allen Park and UPMC-Chautauqua

Program Description:
Encourages groups of neighbors to collaborate on exterior improvements to boost confidence in neighborhoods and inspire reinvestment.

Historical Impact (since 2011):

45 neighborhoods participated

450 property owners invested more than $1.3 million in exterior improvements and repairs

Eligible Projects:

Painting

Porch repair

Soffit repair

Sidewalk repair

New mailboxes

Exterior lighting

Front-yard landscaping

Front doors/windows

Driveways and driveway aprons

Gutters

Eligibility Requirements:

Minimum of 5 property owners per neighborhood cluster

Can include homeowners, landlords, and businesses

Must demonstrate commitment to neighbor communication and shared sense of identity

Additional Benefits:

Discounts from sponsoring hardware stores and garden centers

Discounts on coordinated purchasing of materials, services, and design

Program Funding (2019):

John Alfred and Oscar Johnson Memorial Trust

The Lenna Foundation

Chautauqua Region Community Foundation

The Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation

Contact Information:

Mary Maxwell, Neighborhood Project Associate

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (716) 489-3493

Address: JRC offices, 301 East 2nd Street, Suite 301, Jamestown, NY

How to Apply

Application Process for Renaissance Block Challenge

1. Form a Neighborhood Cluster
- Minimum of 5 property owners
- Can include homeowners, landlords, and businesses

2. Attend Informational Workshop (Recommended but not required)
- All workshops cover the same content
- Only need to attend one workshop
- Typical dates: January

3. Submit Pre-Application
- Available on JRC website under "Healthy Neighborhoods"
- Typical deadline: Mid-February
- Reviewed for initial approval

4. Receive Invitation to Final Application
- Announced typically in March
- Successful pre-applicants invited to proceed

5. Submit Final Application
- Outline exterior improvements to be completed
- Describe skills neighbors can bring to projects
- Typical deadline: Mid-to-late April

6. Selection Criteria
- Neighborhoods with strongest commitment to neighbor communication
- Demonstrated sense of community identity
- Potential for sustainable impact and momentum