The Public Realm Grant, administered by the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) through its Neighborhood Development Division (NDD), aims to support nonprofit organizations in improving commercial district streetscapes. The grant provides funding for place-based projects that enhance public spaces in commercial corridors through creative design, public art, lighting, and wayfinding initiatives. The initiative is part of the "Making New York Work for Everyone Action Plan" and emphasizes public space programming, art, and tactical urban transformations to foster commercial revitalization.

Nonprofit organizations may apply for single-year grants of up to $100,000 per neighborhood to plan, design, and implement public realm improvements. Projects must focus on commercial corridors with substantial storefront business activity and align with one of three primary program categories: Commercial District Lighting, Commercial Canvas (public murals), and Neighborhood Navigator (wayfinding tools). Funding requests are capped at $100,000 for lighting projects and $50,000 for mural and wayfinding projects. Proposals must demonstrate responsiveness to local needs, foster business growth, and contribute to a vibrant, safe, and well-branded commercial environment.

Eligible applicants must be incorporated nonprofit organizations operating in New York State and compliant with all local, state, and federal filing requirements. They must not have outstanding tax obligations, litigation against the city, or integrity concerns. Additionally, grantees must comply with program impact reporting requirements and obtain necessary approvals for installations. The grant operates on a reimbursement basis, requiring organizations to document expenses and submit monthly payment requests.

Applications for the grant are due by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 20, 2025. Grant implementation will take place between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. The application process is competitive, with proposals evaluated based on organizational capacity, project strength, and community need. The selection committee assesses each submission using a point-based scoring system, considering factors such as feasibility, innovation, stakeholder engagement, and impact on local businesses.

The application process requires organizations to submit detailed project descriptions, proposed timelines, budgets, and supporting documentation, including an organizational chart and compliance materials. Applications must be submitted online via SurveyMonkey Apply at https://smallbusinessservices.smapply.io. Additional questions can be directed to the SBS Neighborhoods Team at neighborhoods@sbs.nyc.gov.