Strategic Impact Grants

FY24 Strategic Impact Grants provide funding to Community-Based Development Organizations (CBDOs) to implement targeted commercial revitalizations projects that support small businesses. The program focus of the Strategic Impact Grant program may change semiannually or annually, as new funding becomes available. Funding may also be offered to provide services to single neighborhoods, multiple neighborhoods, or on a citywide scale.

Strategic Impact Grant Opportunities

FY24 CDNA Strategic Impact Grant 

The focus of the FY24 CDNA Strategic Impact Grant is to increase both the applicant’s and SBS’ understanding of commercial district needs in NYC neighborhoods by conducting a Commercial District Needs Assessment (CDNA). The goal of this funding opportunity is to spur the advancement and evolution of commercial revitalization and place management work in order to foster innovation, support positive systems change, and build the capacity and expand the impact of the many organizations serving and supporting New York City commercial districts. 

The Commercial District Needs Assessment (CDNA) highlights the existing business landscape, consumer characteristics, physical environment, and unique character of the commercial corridors and local businesses that make up the identity of each neighborhood. Each CDNA is completed in partnership with local community-based organizations, and includes analysis of the storefront and retail mix, door-to-door merchant surveys, consumer and shopper surveys, and in-depth inventory of streetscape conditions that affect the shopping experience.

Nonprofit organizations may apply for the FY24 CDNA Strategic Impact Grant and propose funding of up to $80,000 to complete a CDNA over the course of a one-year grant term. Grants will be awarded through a competitive application process, contingent upon available funds. SBS will provide trainings, technical assistance, and ongoing support for grantees to guide them through the CDNA process. Applicants can learn more about the CDNA process by reviewing the CDNA Workbook. 

Applications can be accessed via SurveyMonkey Apply Here. 

Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on June 28, 2023 to be considered for funding.

Have questions? Email Neighborhoods@sbs.nyc.gov

FY24 Commercial District Lighting Grant

The Commercial District Lighting Grant will fund place-based nonprofit organizations to address commercial district needs for lighting improvements. Applicants must propose place-based projects to design, produce, and install creative lighting projects on commercial corridors. Proposals should respond to local conditions and opportunities related to lighting, such as concerns of insufficient street lighting at night, poor perceptions of safety, an absence of placemaking activities, and other objectives related to business support and commercial revitalization. Projects are also encouraged to incorporate elements related to district marketing, streetscape enhancements, design innovation, or other quality of life improvements. Projects must be implemented on commercial corridors where there is substantial storefront business activity. Grants will be awarded through a competitive application process.

In City Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24), the program will include:

• Grants of up to $100,000 per neighborhood for one year
• Grantees will be responsible for the design, planning, and implementation of lighting projects, and all necessary permitting
• Grant work must be implemented between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024.

Applications are now closed.