Design Assistance

We connect community-based organizations with professional designers to help build vibrant neighborhoods, commercial districts, and storefronts.

Neighborhood Design Lab

Visual design helps neighborhoods promote local businesses and attract customers, yet many community-based organizations (CBOs) do not have in-house design expertise. We partner with the World Studio Foundation to provide design services, teach organizations how to build internal design skills, and complete neighborhood-wide branding projects. Organizations will work with a designer to brainstorm, plan, and carry out a creative design event or campaign. Each project will connect to a long-term vision for a commercial corridor.

Who Can Apply

• Nonprofit community-based organizations (BIDs, local development corporations, merchants associations, and other organizations) operating within the five boroughs of New York City, with a preference for organizations serving low- and moderate-income neighborhoods;
• Nonprofit organizations incorporated in New York State;
• Organizations compliant with annual State and Federal filing requirements.

How to Apply

Applications have closed. Check back for updates on when applications open for next year's program.