Manhattan Borough President Community Award Program

Manhattan Borough President Community Award Program

Applications for the Manhattan Borough President Community Award Program (MBPCAP, formerly known as MCAP) are now open. The MBPCAP program awards grants to worthy Manhattan-based nonprofits and public schools in the following areas:

Education

• Projects supporting student learning, enrichment, and well-being in Manhattan, including college and career readiness, tutoring, STEM, arts, and other educational programming. PTAs that are incorporated nonprofits may apply.

Criminal Justice

• Nonprofit programs supporting formerly incarcerated or at-risk adults and youth through mentoring, education, job readiness, and connections to essential services. Projects should advance community reintegration.

Please note these are expense grants typically ranging from $2,500 – $5,000 for Manhattan-based organizations and schools.

The deadline to apply is October 16th by 5pm. Apply here. For any questions please contact the Manhattan Borough President at [email protected] or 212-669-8300.

Timeline

• September 17: Applications Open
• October 16, 5 p.m.: Application Deadline
• Late-November: Decision Notifications

MBPCAP Guidelines

MBPCAP is contracted through two city agencies: the NYC Department of Corrections (DOC) and the NYC Department of Education (DOE). Please note that applicants must select an agency and submit a proposal for a project that is aligned with the overall mission and goals of that agency. The MBPCAP application for FY27 is now open and available here.

Award Size: One-time contracts usually ranging from $2,500 to $5,000.

Award Type: This is a reimbursement grant. All goods and services must be purchased or provided no later than June 30 of the relevant FY for an organization to receive the funding.

Deadline: October 16, 2026 by 5 pm. No extensions will be granted.

Password reset requests MUST be sent to [email protected] by one week prior to the deadline (no later than Oct 9) and may not be honored after this date.

General Review Criteria for MBPCAP

Each applicant must complete an online application with questions related to how the funding will be used and the applicant’s operations on the following criteria:

Organization & Mission

Reviewers will evaluate responses to questions related to the organization’s fiscal health, governance, administration structure, leadership, and history. Capacity for managing the proposed project and prior project excellence will be evaluated.

Project Description

Applicants should propose a project that addresses the stated need of the population. The project description should outline achievable deadlines or timetables for deliverables, and criteria for evaluating the project’s success. Goals, objectives, and outcomes should be clearly defined, measurable, and timely. Reviewers expect answers to be succinct, clear, and thorough.

Project Budget

Evaluators will review the project budget item listed in the application. Applicants may attach an additional organizational budget to provide further information regarding the organization’s size and capacity.

Need for MBPCAP Funding

The application should justify the need for funding by outlining a gap in services or resources that this funding would fill to make the project successful.

Restrictions and Other Information:

• Capital improvements are not allowable costs.
• Gift cards are not allowable costs.
• Contractor expenses must be lower than 50% of the grant.
• Religious organizations must have a 501(c)3 human service organization designation.
• All organizations must provide proof of insurance.
• Funds can only support activities and programs conducted within Manhattan.
• Any organization that has an existing profile in the application database and needs a password reset MUST request this reset no later than October 9th, 2026. Therefore, it is imperative that applicants begin their applications before this date.

Questions?

For any questions, contact our Budget Unit via email at [email protected].