The West Side Community Fund (WSCF), a consortium of Midtown West corporations, has officially opened up applications for the Fall for its biannual grant program.
WSCF has given over $800,000 in grants to West Side organizations since 2018. The closing date for applications is Friday, September 22, with winners announced in late October. WSCF prioritizes funding initiatives that deliver services to under-resourced residents along the west side, including youth, seniors, unhoused individuals and disabled residents.
The latest round of grants are available to neighborhood organizations, block and tenants’ associations, non-profits, city agencies, schools, health clinics, NYCHA projects, police-community programs, religious institutions, homeless facilities and individual instructors such as teachers. Past grant winners can also submit an application with a new project.
In spring, WSCF distributed $100,000 to 21 recipients across the West Side’s Community Board 4, ranging from block associations to arts groups and mutual aid coalitions. Last fall in Hell’s Kitchen, grants include Rauschenbusch Metro Ministries which provide supportive services and food to community members; the Hell’s Kitchen Community Cupboard, the mutual aid-based food share; W43rd Street’s affordable dance, yoga and gymnastics class studio Keoni Movement Arts; Hell’s Kitchen Commons which combines the West 45th and 46th Street Block Associations; and Midtown South Community Council.
Also on the list: W42ST! We have used grants to fund audits and investigation of empty storefronts across Hell’s Kitchen, bringing light to their stories with a view to finding a solution for reopening or new businesses to move in. Chelsea Community News was also given a grant to help its journalism.
WSCF is planning a 2023 Grantee Celebration in late October or early November to honor both the spring and fall grantees. The event will also serve as a fifth-anniversary celebration for the Fund.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Proposed services must occur in the Chelsea, Hudson Yards or Hell’s Kitchen area (i.e. Community Board 4 catchment area)
- The applicant organization’s total annual budget must be below $15 Million
- Grants cannot support religious or partisan activities, nor programs that promote any form of discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin or disability
You can apply at westsidecommunityfund.org. Good luck!