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Building Creative Capacity

collage of two photos at left is a woman at table with food talking to a woman across from her at right there are hands holding guides to Murray Hill's Food Alley

Building Creative Capacity reinforces arts and culture's transformative role in maintaining thriving commercial corridors by encouraging collaboration between community-based development organizations (CBDOs) and arts and culture organizations. The program focus of Building Creative Capacity may change annually. Funding may also be offered to provide services to single neighborhoods, multiple neighborhoods, or on a citywide scale.

Building Creative Capacity Programs

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Select a program name, or press the enter key on a program name, to view more information.

Fiscal Year 26

S B S Commissioner Gross taking a selfie with a group of people outside a storefront with an art installation in the window

Small businesses are the heartbeat of vibrant neighborhoods, but many nonprofits supporting NYC's commercial districts lack access to creative tools that champion local merchants. To strengthen these efforts, the District Design Fellowship invites place-based CBDOs to partner with designers to develop a creative, impactful, and innovative "Shop Local" campaign for their districts.

From October 2025 – April 2026, Fellows will enhance their commercial corridors through design, storytelling, and public engagement. Throughout the program, Fellows will collaborate with dedicated teams of Design Advisors — professionals with relevant expertise in fields such as architecture, graphic design, or urban design. Fellows will also think creatively about design solutions and public space activations in their corridors.

Eligibility

Employment at an NYC-based, nonprofit organization with a demonstrated commitment to supporting local small businesses and enhancing commercial corridors
Availability to commit to the program's full duration, including participation in weekly meetings, monthly workshops, and key events
Experience in using design and public space activations to shape their district's identity and economy
Passion for developing new skills and problem-solving to pilot strategies in their communities
Approval from their organization to participate in the program

Target Audience

Those working in the following areas are especially encouraged to apply:

Brooklyn (Bensonhurst, East New York, Greenwood, Sunset Park)
Queens (Corona, Ditmars Steinway, Elmhurst, Flushing, Ridgewood)
Bronx (Highbridge, Melrose, Parkchester, Van Cortland, Woodlawn)
Staten Island (Port Richmond, Rosebank, Stapleton, St. George, West Brighton)

How to Apply

Applications are currently open, and will close on Friday, August 29, 2025.

Learn More and Apply

Fiscal Year 25

storefront of closed store by the Bleecker Street Station in Manhattan with artwork that says New York is Forever

Storefront vacancy impacts many commercial districts' quality of life, public realm, and small business engagement. While addressing storefront vacancy requires long-term strategy for investment and intervention, immediate services are needed in the short-term to address the impact that the perception of vacancy has on commercial districts. In partnership with Van Alen Institute's Design Sprints program, selected CBDOs will work closely with design advisors to understand and address storefront vacancy in creative ways. Participants will receive capacity building and design support, including project design and strategic planning.

Fiscal Year 23

group of people dancing in the street at a party in Chinatown

In partnership with Think!Chinatown and Asian American Federation, SBS funded programming in Chinatown, Manhattan, and Murray Hill, Queens, which encouraged collaboration between arts and culture groups and local CBDOs.