CUNY ISLG & NYC Opportunity Launch Grassroots Policy Incubator for Local Leaders to Address Challenges in their Community

Up to three grassroots leaders or community organizations will be awarded up to $40K and participate in a six-month policy incubation process to develop solutions to policy gaps or challenges facing NYC communities. 

The CUNY Institute for State & Local Governance (CUNY ISLG), in collaboration with New York City Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity (NYCO), is launching a unique funding opportunity for grassroots leaders and community organizations seeking to develop innovative solutions to pressing policy challenges facing New York City.  

Grassroots, community-led organizations are often best positioned to effect meaningful change within their communities due to their established relationships, trust and legitimacy, as well as first-hand knowledge of community needs. This grant opportunity is designed to harness this expertise and passion of grassroots leaders to address policy challenges in New York City.  

This solicitation invites proposals from grassroots leaders and organizations seeking to participate in a six-month incubation process where participants will partner with CUNY ISLG and its network of experts to develop approaches or recommendations to address policy gaps or challenges within an identified NYC community or communities. Examples include a set of guidelines (e.g., system reform, work policies) or a program of action (e.g., program model), with the incubation goal of creating a deliverable (e.g., curriculum, training, policy recommendations, etc.).  

This grant opportunity is designed to harness this expertise and passion of grassroots leaders to address policy challenges in New York City.

This grant will provide up to $40,000 per grantee, with up to three grantees selected. Participants will also be offered the opportunity to engage in group and individualized training and technical assistance (TTA) to address broader organizational or individual needs related to the policy.  

“While they know the needs of their community best, grassroots leaders and organizations may not always have a voice in developing solutions or are left out of larger City funding opportunities,” said Michael Jacobson, Executive Director of the CUNY Institute for State & Local Governance. “We’re excited to offer this funding to support community-driven idea development and be a template for future grassroots policy incubation.” 

“We’re excited to offer this funding to support community-driven idea development and be a template for future grassroots policy incubation.” 

“We are excited to partner with the CUNY Institute for State and Local Governance to launch this grassroots initiative,” said Carson Hicks, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity. “With their strong community ties and nuanced understanding of local issues, grassroots organizations are uniquely positioned to understand and address the challenges their communities face. This RFP will help these community-level experts to harness their deep-rooted knowledge to develop innovative and effective solutions.” 

Eligible applicants include non-profits (including those without 501c3 status, provided they have a fiscal sponsor), individuals (who must be incorporated, such as through an LLC), and organizations with an average annual budget of less than $500,000. This solicitation is intended to support grassroots-driven organizations.  

For more information about the grant opportunity, please see the Funding Opportunities page. Proposals should be submitted as a single PDF by October 3, 2024, at 11:59 pm EST.  

About CUNY ISLG and NYCO 

CUNY ISLG 

The CUNY Institute for State & Local Governance (CUNY ISLG) is a good governance think-and-do tank. We craft the research, policies, partnerships, and infrastructures necessary to help government and public institutions work more effectively, efficiently, and equitably for all communities. For more information, visit islg.cuny.edu. 

NYCO 

The Mayor’s Office for Economic Opportunity (NYC Opportunity) helps the City apply evidence and innovation to reduce poverty and increase equity. NYC Opportunity works to improve the systems of government by advancing the use of research, data and design in program and policy development, service delivery, and budget decisions. NYC Opportunity works collaboratively with City agencies to design, test and oversee new programs and digital products, and produces research and analysis of poverty and social conditions, including annual Poverty Measure, which provides a comprehensive picture of poverty in New York City.