Grant Categories
WHLDC’s priority is to support West Harlem-based community projects by deploying funds contributed by Columbia University pursuant to the CBA through its Grant-Making Program and other activities. WHLDC’s strategy is to address the needs of West Harlem through collaborations and capacity enhancements of Community Based Organizations and institutions.
Selected 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 application must address one or more of the following need categories (Community-Need Categories) that are identified in the CBA. WHLDC reserves the right to alter the list of needs and categories for CD9 and to set funding priorities.
Community-Need Categories (in alphabetical order only)
- Arts and Culture: to foster the expansion and creation of new art and arts initiatives, to develop new areas of arts education and technology and to create programs that serve as an economic engine that revitalizes the community as an arts and culture destination. (CBA Section VIII.A. pg. 36)
- Community Facilities: to assess community-based health care needs and implementation of health care services; to expand community space for athletics, child care and community meetings; and to create programs for homebound seniors. (CBA Section IX.A.-H. pg. 39)
- Education: to improve academic outcomes for children in early childhood, pre-school, primary, middle and high school; to at least double the percentage of students who attend college from 20 percent to 40 percent; and to improve outcomes for adults in education, training and vocational programs. (CBA Section V.A. pg. 26)
- Employment and Economic Development: to generate new local jobs and economic opportunities, including job training. (CBA Section IV. A. pg. 18)
- Environment: to promote environmental stewardship, including enhancing the community’s streetscape and promoting water conservation. (CBA Section VI.B.-D. pg. 32)
- Historic Preservation: to assist in the preservation and enhancement of the historic context of the community and to promote public awareness of its rich architectural resources. (CBA Section X.A. pg. 39)
- Housing: to preserve, rehabilitate and create sustainable affordable housing to help continue a successful urban environment. (CBA Section III. A. pg. 16)
- Transportation: to conduct needs assessments that include studies on air quality, public transportation needs, traffic calming measures and pedestrian and parking needs. (CBA Section VII. A. pg. 35)