What: Neighbors in Action (NIA), a City small-grant program for block clubs, community organizations and neighborhood associations, entering its third year. Int. 382 amends the agreement with the Rochester Area Community Foundation to run year three.
Where it stands: Int. 382 carried in the Budget, Finance and Governance Committee on November 4 after a staff presentation.
Next: Full Council vote; the 2027 application window is expected to open in early January.
Sources
YouTube captions (manual) of the November 4 Council committee meetings; the City's posted agenda for the November 4 committee meetings.
Presentation: launched September 2024 with grants first made in 2025. The first two years were funded with $100,000 each from the City, ESL Federal Credit Union and the Rochester Area Community Foundation. Year one drew 82 applications (about $489,000 requested) and funded 47 grants totaling $230,000; year two drew 128 applications (over $666,000 requested) and funded 82 grants totaling a little over $300,000, a 74% increase in grants. Canandaigua National Bank gave $25,000 late last year and has committed $30,000 for the coming year, so about $330,000 is available.
Award caps: block clubs $2,500, community organizations $5,000, neighborhood associations $10,000. Groups without 501(c)(3) status can use a fiscal sponsor if they apply early; city staff help.
2027 cycle: applications open early January through mid-February, decisions announced in April.
Council questions: Leslie-Smith asked how less-organized neighborhoods are supported; staff said capacity building takes a few years and groups can partner. Monroe confirmed a neighborhood association stays capped at $10,000 even when partnering. Leslie-Smith called the application process cumbersome and said she would send written feedback. Martin thanked staff.
Int. 382: no amendment needed because the bank's money goes directly to the Foundation. Carried by voice vote.