Neighbors in Action (NIA)
About
Neighbors In Action (NIA) was launched by the City of Rochester in September 2024. In January 2025, the City was joined by partners Rochester Area Community Foundation and ESL Federal Credit Union to help fund and administer the program.
The initiative offers small grants, up to $10,000 each, empowering residents to come together and take purposeful action toward strengthening and improving their neighborhoods.
The initiative is based on Neighbors Building Neighborhoods (NBN), begun in 1996 by former Rochester Mayor William A. Johnson Jr. NBN was recognized nationally as a model for government and civic partnerships that inspired and supported hundreds of projects across the city that ranged from beautification initiatives to enhanced public safety.
Contact
Northwest
Northeast
Southwest
Southeast
Eligible applicants include neighborhood associations, non-profit organizations, and community groups that are a designated 501(c)(3). Neighborhood groups that do not possess a 501(c)(3) designation can work through a fiscal sponsor that qualifies to apply.
A broad range of community projects qualify, including:
- Community beautification (e.g., gardens, murals, public art)
- Neighborhood festivals or events
- Youth or senior programs
- Environmental sustainability projects
- Educational or health-focused initiatives
Grant amounts vary based on the program and project scope. Grants can range from a few hundred dollars up to $10,000.
Evaluation criteria include:
- The impact and benefit of the project on the community
- Feasibility and sustainability of the project
- Alignment with the program’s goals and priorities
- Clear and realistic project plan and budget
- Community involvement and support
The first round of grant applications will be due at 5 p.m. on Friday, February 28, 2025. Grant announcements will be made on March 31.
If your application is successful, the funds will be disbursed in one lump sum. Specific details and instructions will be provided upon grant approval.
A final report will be required, and receipts, invoices or other proof of purchase will be required for all expenditures.
Yes. Details of these administrative costs must be provided in the application.
If a funded NIA project encounters unforeseen challenges, it’s important to contact your NIA Community Program Planner to discuss potential adjustments or extensions.
No.
The City of Rochester has created four new positions in its Neighborhood Service Centers to help coordinate NIA and build capacity in neighborhoods. You can reach your quadrant’s NIA representative via email at:
- Northwest: NW-NIA@CityofRochester.gov
- Northeast: NE-NIA@CityofRochester.gov
- Southwest: SW-NIA@CityofRochester.gov
- Southeast: SE-NIA@CityofRochester.gov
What's my NSC area
Use the map below to find out which Neighborhood Service Center your address belongs to. If the map isn't working on your device, click here to open it in a new browser tab.