Community Benefits Grant Categories

WHDC’s priority is to support West Harlem-based community projects by deploying funds contributed by Columbia University pursuant to the CBA through its annual Community Benefits Grant (CBG) and other activities. WHDC’s strategy is to address the needs of West Harlem through collaborations and capacity enhancements of Community Based Organizations and institutions.

Selected CBG projects of organizations must be located in or provide services to the West Harlem community as defined by New York City, Manhattan Community District 9 (CD9): south to north: from 110th Street to 155th Street; east to west: from St. Nicholas, Bradhurst, Edgecombe, Morningside and Manhattan Avenues to the Hudson River. The CBG application must address one or more of the following need categories (Community-Need Categories) that are identified in the CBA. WHDC reserves the right to alter the list of needs and categories for CD9 and to set funding priorities

Priority Areas

Projects that demonstrate that they promote and protect the health of MCD9 residents and provide essential human services to many.

  • Projects that preserve and sustain affordable housing, that support racial equity and economic security, access to permanent housing opportunities and that provide a mechanism to ensure that the residential units remain affordable over time for MCD9 residents. (CBA Section X.A. pg. 39)

Projects that engage MCD9 local businesses, tackling current challenges, and advancing entrepreneurial economic growth as well as workforce development. (CBA Section IV. A. pg. 18)

Projects in this priority area provide instruction to support youth and older adults by creating a strong foundation for growth and stability that educate and empower them. (CBA Section V.A. pg. 26)

Projects that cultivate, support, and promote the works of West Harlem artists and arts & culture organizations who create and work in MCD9. Projects that have a commitment to public service and public participation that not only commemorates and preserves West Harlem’s rich cultural history but also celebrates its rich cultural diversity. (CBA Section VIII.A. pg. 36)

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