Community gardens, murals, and youth programs among initiatives funded by NIA grants in Rochester

Rochester, New York – In a significant move to bolster community-driven initiatives, Rochester’s Mayor Malik D. Evans, alongside key local leaders, unveiled the first recipients of the Neighbors In Action (NIA) grants today. This inaugural announcement, made at The People’s Pantry on Avenue D, marks a pivotal moment in the city’s commitment to nurturing safer and more vibrant neighborhoods.

At the core of the NIA program is the empowerment of residents through funding projects that they lead. This first batch of grants will disburse over $230,000 across 47 diverse projects that encapsulate the spirit of community resilience and collaboration. These projects span a broad spectrum, including community gardens, public art, youth engagement programs, neighborhood cleanups, and culturally enriching block parties.

One standout project is the initiative by The People’s Pantry to establish a vegetable garden and a mural that doubles as an educational space. Here, the Cornell Cooperative Extension will conduct nutrition classes, benefitting pantry visitors and the broader community. This project exemplifies the program’s goal to fuse community development with practical education and beautification.

Also among the grantees are the Rotary Club of Southwest Rochester, which will undertake a community needs assessment, and Sassy in the South Wedge, which plans to organize events that celebrate the LGBTQ+ community’s diversity and creativity. Additionally, the Charles House in Action and the Jay and Orchard Street Neighborhood Association will join forces to enhance local connectivity through various activities including park restorations and community events.

“These projects are proof that when neighbors come together with purpose, great things happen,” said Mayor Evans. “I’m incredibly proud of this first cohort of NIA grantees and excited to see their ideas take shape and make a difference in every corner of our city.”

“NIA is a civic engagement booster and that’s important now more than ever,” said Simeon Banister, President & CEO, Rochester Area Community Foundation. “Applications from every quadrant of the city show residents’ enthusiasm for putting dollars to work where they live. People take notice when they see neighbors making improvements right on their street, and each small win can bring more people to the table.”

“We’re excited to partner with the City of Rochester and Rochester Area Community Foundation to drive neighborhood prosperity across the city,” said John Paul Perez, Executive Director, Community Impact, ESL Federal Credit Union. “These chosen grantees will implement initiatives that create meaningful connections between residents, deepen community bonds, and cultivate neighborhoods that are both vibrant and resilient.

Launched in the fall of 2024 with joint funding from ESL Federal Credit Union and Rochester Area Community Foundation, each contributing $100,000, the NIA program’s total funding pool reached $300,000. Managed and distributed by the Rochester Area Community Foundation, with additional support from the City’s Neighborhood Service Centers, the projects were selected by a review committee representing the three organizations.

Looking ahead, the partners plan to invite a new round of applications in early 2026, encouraging more residents and local groups to propose innovative solutions for enhancing community life. This initiative not only fosters immediate community improvements but also sets the stage for sustained civic engagement and neighborhood revitalization.

View full list of NIA grantees

Learn more: Neighbors In Action (NIA)