Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Manhattan Community Awards Program
Donor Name: Department of Education (DOE)
State: New York
Borough: Manhattan
Type of Grant: Awards and Prizes
Deadline: 08/29/2025
Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The Manhattan Community Award Program prioritizes funding to organizations working with Manhattan communities and addressing the priorities.
The Manhattan Community Awards Program (MCAP) is contracted through city agencies: the Department of Corrections (DOC), and the Department of Education (DOE).
Priorities
For FY 26, they seek to fund programs that address (but are not limited to) the following core priorities:
Climate Mitigation and Resiliency
- Public engagement around specific Manhattan-based resiliency projects
- Green roof projects, hydroponics, and community gardens
Education
- Sports and other after-school physical education programs
- Youth arts programs
- Youth health and wellness programs
Anti-Gun Violence Initiatives
- Anti-gun violence and intervention programs
- Performance, literary and visual arts partnerships addressing social justice and the impacts of racism
- School-arts organization partnerships pertaining to anti-gun initiatives’
Composting
- Composting activities and/or education programs for seniors
- Community engagement regarding the importance of composting and the options available in Manhattan
Funding Information
One-time contract ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. Please note that the maximum funding for programs contracted via DOE is $5,000.
Review Criteria for MCAP
Each applicant must complete an online application with questions related to how the funding will be used and the applicant organization’s operations. A review panel made up of the Borough President’s budget staff will assess the application based on the following criteria:
Organization & Mission
- Reviewers will evaluate responses to questions related to the organization’s fiscal health, governance, administration structure, leadership, and history. Capacity for managing the proposed project and prior project excellence will be evaluated.
Project Description
- Applicants should propose a project that addresses the stated need of the population. The project description should outline achievable deadlines or timetables for deliverables, and criteria for evaluating the project’s success. Goals, objectives, and outcomes should be clearly defined, measurable, and timely. Reviewers expect answers to be succinct, clear, and thorough.
Project Budget
- Evaluators will review the project budget item listed in the application. Applicants may attach an additional organizational budget to provide further information regarding the organization’s size and capacity.
Need for MCAP Funding
- The application should justify the need for funding by outlining a gap in services or resources that this funding would fill to make the project successful.
Restrictions and Other Important Information/Guidelines:
- Capital improvements are not allowable costs.
- Travel expenses or gift cards are not allowable costs.
- Please consider that any stipends or salaries must be lower than 50% of the grant request.
- Any religious organizations must have a 501(c)3 human service organization designation.
- All organizations must provide proof of insurance.
- Funds can only support activities and programs conducted within Manhattan.
- Please note that any organization that has an existing profile in the application database and needs a password reset MUST request this reset no later than August 22nd, 2025. Therefore, it is imperative that applicants begin their applications prior to August 22nd, 2025.
For more information, visit DOE.
