Disclaimer: Listings reflect client inquiries verbatim for accuracy and clarity.
For the 2025–2026 season, MAS seeks Community Partners from across New York City’s five boroughs who are leading local cultural preservation efforts to join the next phase of the Enduring Culture Initiative. Seven (7) $10,000 grants are available to support Community Partners’ ongoing work.
These grants support the expansion of community engagement, research, and advocacy for underrecognized or at-risk cultural practices and places that anchor neighborhoods and communities across New York City.
MAS offers funding, mentorship, and technical assistance to support and grow these efforts. Community Partners and MAS will also collaborate to identify barriers in current preservation systems and advocate for citywide changes that are more inclusive and community centered.
Key Dates:
● Virtual Info Session: May 9, 2025
● Application Deadline: May 18, 2025 (11:59pm)
● Grantees Notified & Orientation: June 2025
● Program Timeline: July 2025 – September 2026
What Community Partners Receive:
● $10,000 grant (dispersed in two phases across 2025–2026)
● Mentorship and technical workshops in urban planning and preservation strategies
● Opportunities to present at MAS public forums
● Promotion through MAS outreach channels
● Peer learning and networking as part of a citywide cohort
● 2-year MAS Cosmopolitan Membership (2025–2027, $1,000 value)
Who Can Apply:
● 501c3 community-based nonprofits and mission-driven, grassroots groups
● Groups without nonprofit status are welcome to apply (must identify an individual or incorporated entity to receive funds, and manage applicable taxes)
● Active for 4 or more years
● Demonstrates prior experience with and commitment to community-driven solutions
● Supports underrepresented/underserved communities, cultural practices, or places
● An interest in urban planning, preservation, and policy
Guidelines for Proposals:
● Builds on an active community-engaged project or advocacy initiative
● Planned activities occur between July 2025 – July 2026
● Identifies a pressing need or challenge
● Aligns with ECI’s goals
Types of Activities That May Be Funded:
● Forums, panel discussions, workshops, focus groups
● Tours and cultural activations of sites and neighborhoods
● Mapping, archiving, or design projects
● Community surveys or data collection
● Advocacy and awareness campaigns
Participation:
● June 2025: Orientation & announcement of Community Partners
● July 2025 — July 2026: Community Partner Projects, 1:1 mentorship hours & technical workshops
● August 2026: Community Partners’ final report survey
● September 2026: Community Partner presentations at a MAS public forum
Final Reporting, a short survey that includes:
● Recap of successes and challenges
● Photo/video documentation
● Use of grant funds (budget report)
● Communities and audiences reached/served
● Future goals and needs