2015 Neighborhood Grants: $3,000 for Your Community!

What's Happening NYC

2015 Grants

It's grant application season! 

Neighborhood Grant Applications are due January 26, 2015. 
Through our Neighborhood Grants, Citizens Committee awards micro-grants of up to $3,000 to resident-led groups to work on community and school improvement projects throughout the city. We prioritize groups based in low income neighborhoods and Title I public schools. We support projects that address issues that communities identify as important to them - anything from community gardens to tenant organizing.

Questions? Contact us at grants@citizensnyc.org or212-822-9563.

Our online application is now available: click here to access it.

Here are some resources to get you started on your Neighborhood Grant application: 

• Take a look at what past grantees have done with grant funding. 
• Attend a grant application information session or watch our grant application information video to learn more about our grant application process.
• Look at our grant timeline and our how-to grant application guide. 
• Read our grant writing tips for simple, clear pointers on filling out any grant application. 

Neighborhood Grants Application Information Sessions

Join us for a grant information session to learn more about the grants and have your questions answered. For more information and to RSVP, contact Tehmina at tbrohi@citizensnyc.org or 212-822-9563.

Monday, December 1
Harlem | 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Tuesday, December 2
Brooklyn | 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Monday, December 8
Bronx | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Wednesday, December 10
Manhattan | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Monday, January 12
Webinar | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Thursday, January 15
Queens | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Project Planning Assistance 

Did you know that Citizens Committee offers Project Planning Assistance to grassroots groups? We sit down with key members of your group to talk about a particular project or issue, share resources, brainstorm strategies, and create a plan together. You don't need to be a Citizens Committee grantee to access this resource, simply fill out this form to give us some information about your group, and someone from Citizens Committee will be in contact.

Community Conversation: Our Local Food System

Our food is tied to a large and multi-part system, involving huge amounts of natural resources (land, oil, water), labor (farm workers to restaurant servers), processing, transportation (importing and exporting), and waste disposal (land fills). This food system is neither practical or sustainable. Join Urban Rebuilding Initiative and Citizens Committee for New York City in a discussion on how we can create sensible and local food systems that meet the needs of our communities.

South Bronx

11:00 AM

December 13

Community conversations are a new project we are undertaking this Winter in collaboration with neighborhood groups around the city. Interested in co-hosting or co-facilitating a discussion about a particular issue or interest in your community? Get in touch with us at info@citizensnyc.org. 

Winter Workshops

Our winter Neighborhood Leadership Institute (NLI) series is around the corner. Space is limited, register online or contact Tehmina at tbrohi@citizensnyc.orgor 212-822-9563.

Complete four workshops and receive an NLI certificate of achievement.

BASICS OF COMMUNITY ORGANIZING

Saturday, January 24

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Bring your neighbors together to work on issues that matter to you.

GROUP STRUCTURE

Saturday, February 7

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Build and maintain an effective neighborhood association or community group.

MEDIA TOOLS

Saturday, February 21

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Increase public support for your group by framing your message and alerting local media.

NAVIGATING CITY GOVERNMENT

Saturday, March 7

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Learn how city government functions and how to have your community issues addressed.

GRASSROOTS FUNDRAISING

Saturday, March 21

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Support your group's work with community fundraising efforts.

More Grants...

Youth Garden Grant: To be eligible for the 2015 Youth Garden Grant, your school or organization must plan to garden in 2015 with at least 15 children between the ages of 3-18. Grantees will receive funding as well as curriculum support and resources. December 5. 

Partnerships for Parks Capacity Grant: Groups working on park land are eligible to apply for funding to support their programs and activities. New York City Parks-focused community groups who have a long-term commitment to their neighborhood parks and/or street trees, volunteer-run groups with small budgets, and groups with a strong history of collaborative work with Partnerships for Parks, Parks Department, and/or City Parks Foundation will receive preference.February 1.

Grow To Learn Mini Grant: Grow to Learn is currently accepting applications for Mini-Grants of $500 to $2,000 to start or expand a learning garden program at NYC public and charter schools. February 11. 

Reading and Discussion Program: Reading and Discussion Programs promote thoughtful, engaged community dialogue, using a short text and a facilitator from the local community. Hosts of this program bring together members of a group, organization or neighborhood to join in a facilitated discussion of a short reading. NYS tax-exempt organizations, including schools, are eligible to receive funding from the Council for hosting a discussion. February 12.

Lowes Small Grants Program: The small grants program is an outlet for organizations seeking smaller-scale assistance for non-educational focused projects. These grants range from $100 to $2,000. Small grant project requests must also fit within the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation guidelines. These requests are received on a rolling basis, with no specific cycle dates. Please note that grant funds are distributed as Lowe’s gift cards. To apply, e-mail a project description and budget outline to community@lowes.com with a “Small Grant Request” subject line. Due to the large volume of requests, we are unable to respond to all requests and will only notify you if you receive funding, approximately three weeks after submission.

New York Council for the Humanities: Have a public program idea you want to strengthen?  Looking to start or expand a collaboration with other groups in your community?  Apply for a $1,500 Planning Grant.  These quick grants support the preparation of humanities-based public programs, such as working with advisors, developing community-wide initiatives, and creating interpretive plans. Eligible groups must either be nonprofits or working with a NYS based fiscal sponsor.  Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.

 

Community Events and Announcements 

GreenThumb Winter Garden Giveaway: Twice a year, GreenThumb gives garden supplies to GreenThumb registered gardens. This giveaway will include environmentally friendly melt away, shovels, ice scrapers, and trash bags to help prepare and keep your garden safe for winter. GreenThumb/LRP Compound, Queens Plaza South at 10th Street. 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM. December 6. 

Grow to Learn Workshop - Garden Construction Projects: Feel handy with a drill but don’t know the difference between a rip cut and cross cut? Join Grow to Learn and EcoStation: NY’s skilled carpenter D. Rooney as we discuss lumber, tools, and construction considerations and build a storage bench! GrowNYC - 49 Chambers Street, Room 227. 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM. December 6.

South Bronx Farmers and Holiday Market: The South Bronx Farmers Market invites you to shop local produce, farm products, and arts and crafts from local producers and artists! Unique items for you or gifts!  Local retailers will be offering canned goods, spices, produce, coffee as well as handmade knits and other items at affordable prices. Bronx Arts Museum. 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM. December 13.

How to Start a CSA Workshop: Thinking about how to connect with a farmer and bring fresh, local, organically grown vegetables to your neighborhood? Join this workshop to learn more. Just Food Conference Room, 1133 Avenue of the Americas, 15^th Floor.  6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. December 15.

 

Grow to Learn Meet-Up: Garden Curriculum:Come exchange lesson plans and curriculum ideas with other school gardeners at Grow to Learn's Curriculum "Meet Up"! Rather than a formal presentation or workshop, this meet-up will be participant-centered, so come ready to discuss your successes, challenges, and favorite topics to teach in the garden. This meet-up will also include an overview of existing curriculum resources in New York City and beyond for Pre-K-12 teachers; click here to RSVP. GrowNYC Greening Library, Room 212, 49 Chambers Street, Manhattan. 

4:30 PM – 6:30 PM. December 17.

Bronx Master Composter Course: This comprehensive train-the-trainer course is designed to promote the practice of composting in homes, schools, and community gardens in the Bronx. The program is held at The New York Botanical Garden in the spring and consists of seven Wednesday or Thursday evening classes, two Saturday field trips, and 30 hours of Bronx-based volunteer outreach service in compost education and promotion. Course material fee is $40; limited scholarships are available. 2015 course dates will be finalized in the next month. For an application and more details, visit the NYC Master Composter Certificate Course Web page, e-mail compost@nybg.org, or call718.817.8543. Applications due February 20.

GreenThumb Resources Page: Check this page for quick links on many of GreenThumb's services and resources. Request soil, lumber, signs, and more online.

Fall Leaf Drop Off:  New York City residents are invited to bring bagged leaves to select Bronx community composting sites where the leaves will be turned into rich compost. Bags with branches, other yard waste, or street sweepings will not be accepted. Space is limited and other restrictions may apply. For details and to register, contact the NYC Compost Project hosted by The New York Botanical Garden at718.817.8543 or compost@nybg.org and tell us your neighborhood and how many bags of leaves you have.

• Wednesdays, 4–7 p.m., or by appointment • Friends of Brook Park, 10454
• Wednesdays and Thursdays, by appointment • Schervier Garden at Bon Secours NY Health Systems, 10463
• Thursdays, 2:30–4:30 p.m., by appointment • The Clinton Garden at DeWitt Clinton High School, 10468
• Fridays, 3–5 p.m., and weekends • The Enchanted Garden at John F. Kennedy High School, 10463
• By appointment only • Bainbridge Avenue Garden, 10458; Botanical Square Garden, 10458; La Finca del Sur/South Bronx Urban Farm Cooperative, 10451; Neighborhood Advisory Committee Garden, 10455; and other sites

Generation Citizen: Generation Citizen strengthens our democracy by empowering young people to be engaged and effective citizens. GC partners teachers with college volunteers to lead a rigorous semester-long, twice-weekly action civics course in which teens solve problems they are facing in their own communities right here in NYC. To learn more about bringing civics to life for your students' school, contact Program Associate Drew Lombardi at dlombardi@generationcitizen.org.

Why I stand with our horses - Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez

This comes from City Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez on the subject of horse drawn carriages in New York City.

  Today legislation was announced that would ensure that in New York animal rights are in line with human rights. Sponsored by Councilmember Dromm and I, the horse carriage ban would ensure that horses are not forced to share our city's congested roadways alongside ambulances, trucks, and buses. Too many preventable incidents have already occurred and its time for New York to step up and ban this inhumane treatment of our horses like other cities have already done. 

This legislation also provides an alternative means of livelihood for those whose jobs would be relocated because of the closing of this industry. We at the Council have made sure that while advocating for the the rights of our animal friends, we have not forgotten the potential human impact of this legislation. 

The way our society treats animals directly reflects our society's dedication to equality and human rights. I know that the society I want my two daughters to live in values these animal rights. Today, we take another step forward towards that vision. 

-Ydanis 

New Signs for Bronx Parkways

    Those big old huge hanging arm signs that told you of the upcoming exits on Bronx parkways are coming down as you see in the photo above. In the lower right hand corner you can see the new much smaller street level posted sign for this exit, Mosholu Parkway.

   The New York State Department of Transportation is taking down those old illuminated signs that hung over the parkways to put up new smaller street level reflective signs, which are non illuminated at a savings of millions of dollars in electricity costs. Below are a few more photos of this sign as it is taken down, 

  Here you can see that the sign portion is off with the arm pole awaiting to be taken down.

 
  Another photo as workers start to dismantle the sign. The arm pole would be next.

NYC's Pilot Compost Program in Trouble, with Shutdown of Delaware Processor

   In a story from WNYC New York City's fledgling composting program has hit a major snag. It appears that the processing plant that took food scraps from New York City in the pilot program of 'Food Composting' has shut down. This is forcing the city to mix the composting in with its regular landfill garbage at least until another composting plant can be found that can handle the NYC composting.

   the problem was the highly-contaminated nature of New York City's organic waste, known in the composting industry as "feedstock."  Most composting companies are small operations that take feedstock that's relatively easy to break down, like rotting fruits and vegetables, leaves, and grass clippings. 

  Peninsula Composting Group's facility in Wilmington, Del.,  took composting that included contaminants such as discarded eggs, dead chicks from hatcheries, manure-filled animal bedding, and decaying meat and bones. The facility also took material that was highly contaminated with plain old garbage, using magnets to pull out metals and employees to pick out plastics and other non-organic stuff. 

   In October, Delaware's Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control refused to renew Peninsula's permit. After a public hearing that drew 200 people.where most of the audience testified against the composting plant, they describing odors that were so awful they induced nausea and prevented children from playing outdoors. Equipment was found not to be working among other violations at the plant. 

  With the closure of the Delaware composting plant NYC must now send the composting material to normal landfills. It is now up in the air as to when the city can or will increase its composting pilot program. An section of Community Board 8 was to be one of the next increased composting areas, but this is now put on hold until the city can find a new composting plant that can handle the cities composting materials.

Assemblyman Dinowitz warns Bronx residents of scams including ones involving Green Dot MoneyPak cards

  Numerous Bronx residents received calls in recent days from scammers who claimed to represent Con Edison and the IRS

   Assemblyman Dinowitz, Chair of the New York State Assembly Committee on Consumer Affairs and Protection, has been contacted by numerous constituents about several scams this holiday season, including ones that involve Green Dot MoneyPak cards. Scammers claiming to represent Con Edison and the IRS have called residents in the Northwest Bronx, including Assemblyman Dinowitz himself, threatening drastic action unless alleged debts are paid immediately. The scammers often demand payment using Green Dot MoneyPak cards, which are readily available in local pharmacies and other stores. At least one business in Riverdale has already been scammed this past week.

Assemblyman Dinowitz said, “Recently, many of my constituents received calls from scammers who threatened to shut off their electricity if they didn’t receive payments for alleged debts. Others, including myself, received calls from people claiming to represent the IRS about fictional tax liabilities. These fraudulent calls seem to be well-coordinated and widespread attempts to take advantage of individuals during the holiday season. I urge everyone to take extra precautions to protect themselves and loved ones from scams such as these.”

The 50^th Police Precinct has previously issued a crime prevention alert regarding Green Dot MoneyPak cards. Their crime prevention tips include:

• Be suspicious of callers who demand immediate payment for any reason.
• Never give out personal or financial information to anyone who emails or calls you unsolicited.
• Never wire money, provide debit or credit card numbers or Green Dot MoneyPak card numbers to someone you do not know.
• Utility companies and government agencies will not contact you demanding immediate payment by MoneyPak.

The full alert can be seen here: http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/downloads/pdf/crime_prevention/greendot.pdf

Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj Celebrates 102 Years of Albanian Independence

  Hundreds of Albanians and even many non Albanians (such as myself) helped Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj celebrate the 102nd Anniversary of the independence of Albania at Maestros in the 80th Assembly District. Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj is the first person of Albanian decent to be elected to the state legislature. 

  Elected officials on hand included Assemblyman Gjonaj's good friend and counterpart in the State Senate State Senator Jeff Klein. Gjonaj represents the assembly district that Klein held man years ago before being elected to the state senate in 2005. 

  

  There were performances from The Albanian School of the Bronx and Alba Life School in Brooklyn. Assemblyman Gjonaj gave out 3 citations for those who have helped the Albanian community the most. The first citation went to the Service Workers Union 32 BJ for having 20,000 of its 145,000 members being of Albanian heritage. The second citation went to the Bronx Jewish Community Council for its food pantry that services over 400 local people in the 80th A.D. area. Assemblyman Gjonaj was shocked to learn that of the 400 people serviced by the BJCC about 100 are Albanians. The third citation went to Mr. Zeqir Kukaj who helped set up the Albanian community in the Bronx. Gjonaj said to him 'Zequir 'Without you this could not have been possible'. Gjonaj said that there will soon be a new community center in the Pelham Parkway area. He said it will be for senior citizens, children, and the community as a whole. 

  Political buzz at the event- I spoke to a high ranking 32 BJ union official (who asked to remain anonymous) about Mayor de Blasio. The 32 BJ person said that they believes that de Blasio will be a one term mayor only, and we agreed on many of the reasons. We spoke of just who might challenge him in 2017, and Controller Scott Stringers name came up. Public Advocate Tish James was mentioned, but we agreed that she and de Blasio both in the race would hurt each other. We then went to who would run for City Controller should Stringer run for mayor. The names of 2 current borough presidents came up. Eric Adams of Brooklyn, and Ruben Diaz Jr. of the Bronx. I asked which of the 2 would 32 BJ endorse, and I was told since both BP's are very close friends of the union that 32 BJ might not endorse either of the 2 BP's.

  Senator Jeff Klein seemed confident that he and the IDC would have a seat at the table in January when the new state senate convenes. When I asked him if he was worried what may happen in 2 years, he looked at me and said 'look at what happened this year'. He added 'this was the year that Democrats were going to win the State Senate'. 'Democrats did not gain any seats, Democrats lost seats' he said harshly. 

 I am sorry that there are no photos of the event.

Bronx Democratic County Committee Holiday Party Dec 17th

Senator Jeff Klein Turns Up the Heat on the Coldest Bronx Buildings

   State Senator Jeff Klein today released a report, “Turning Up the Heat: An Investigative Report into The Bronx’s Coldest Buildings,” which includes a list of the top 15 heat code offenders in the borough.

As chilly temperatures set in, tenants, who reside in buildings on the list, have already called in complaints of “no heat” or “no heat/hot water” to the city’s Housing and Preservation Department.

The top offender, University Avenue L.P.’s 30 Buchanan Place, racked up 96 complaints from tenants as of October 1 and accumulated over 320 complaints since October 2013, according to HPD records.

“It’s deplorable that some residents are being left in the cold. My investigation reveals that landlords who landed on my office’s worst heat code offender list persistently left tenants without heat and this could lead to something chilling: death,” said Senator Klein.

“Buildings must remain in compliance with wintry temperatures upon us. HPD should create a task force to keep an eye on buildings in each borough with a high number of complaints, should help tenants understand their rights and require top offenders to post performance bonds to ensure that repairs are made on the landlords dime instead of the taxpayers,” Klein continued.

Top 15 Heat Offenders

Building Owner/ Location	2013 (From 10/2013)	2014(From 1/2014)	Starting 10/1/14	Total	Zip Code
UNIVERSITY AVENUE, L.P. (30 BUCHANAN PLACE)	37	289	96	326	10453
FORDHAM FULTON LLC (530 EAST 169 STREET)	74	185	25	259	10456
FORDHAM FULTON LLC (480 EAST 188 STREET)	5	195	35	200	10458
RIVERVIEW REDEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P. (1600 SEDGWICK AVENUE)	75	43	13	118	10453
B&L CONCOURSE HSNG AS (1290 GRAND CONCOURSE/1326 GRAND CONCOURSE)	45	63	11	108	10456
MARION ECHO TWIN ETC (2474 MARION AVENUE; 264 ECHO PLACE)	0	89	15	89	10458
1691 FULTON AVENUE ASSOCIATES, L.P. (1691 FULTON AVENUE)	50	30	0	80	10457
BRONX 360 REALTY LLC (930 FOX STREET; 940 FOX STREET; 940 SIMPSON STREET; 941 SIMPSON STREET)	34	44	2	78	10459
BOYNTON ACQUISITION C (875 BOYNTON AVENUE)	41	16	10	57	10473
1068 GERARD PARTNERSHIP, L.P.(1068 GERARD AVENUE)	24	32	0	56	10452
UNIMAC DEVELOPER, L.P. (1605 UNIVERSITY AVENUE; 1611 UNIVERSITY AVENUE; 1615 UNIVERSITY AVENUE; 1645 MACOMBS ROAD; 1669 UNIVERSITY AVENUE)	21	34	10	56	10453
UNDERCLIFF HOLDING LLC (1590 UNDERCLIFF AVENUE)	20	35	6	55	10453
NDI BOSTON RD DEVELET (1212 BOSTON ROAD; 1214 BOSTON ROAD; 1216 BOSTON ROAD)	19	31	2	50	10456
KINGSBRIDGE REALTY ASSOCIATES LLC (3424 KINGSBRIDGE AVENUE)	16	31	5	47	10463
STELLAR MORRISON LLC (1222 MORRISON AVENUE)	14	25	0	39	10472

In The Bronx, a correlation existed between heat violations and the percentage of residents living below the poverty level. Over half of the buildings that made the top 15 list were in zip codes 10453, 10456 and 10458, where approximately 40 % of residents live below the poverty line.

To combat persistent offenders, Senator Klein recommended that HPD monitor each buildings by borough by and create similar watch lists containing buildings with 20 or more complaints. He recommended that a HPD create a Heat Violator Task Force to conduct surprise compliance inspections of buildings on those lists.

Buildings owners are required to provide heat between October 1 and May 31.

Senator Klein also suggested that HPD require repeat violators to post a performance bond, which could be used if the city is forced to make heating repairs. Currently the city pays for repairs with non-compliant landlords and bills the owner, leaving no recourse for the taxpayer.