The first round of the city of Rochester's Neighbors In Action (NIA) grants were awarded on Thursday.

Officials announced that 47 resident-led projects are receiving more than $230,000 to support multiple initiatives, including community gardens and public art, youth programs, neighborhood cleanups and block parties.

The grants are being awarded in an effort to "support community-driven solutions for safer, stronger and more connected neighborhoods," officials say.

The city is teaming up with the Rochester Area Community Foundation and ESL Federal Credit Union to help fund the program.

“These projects are proof that when neighbors come together with purpose, great things happen,” Mayor Malik Evans said in a statement. “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 and CEO of the 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.”

The initiative was inspired by Neighbors Building Neighborhoods, started by former Mayor Bill Johnson Jr. in 1996. It was recognized nationally as a model for civic partnerships.

The full list of awardees can be found on the city's website.

Organizers say another round of NIA grant applications will be announced in early 2026.