Love Your Block (LYB) provides hyper-local, volunteer-led groups across the five boroughs with funding and hands-on support to revitalize their neighborhoods. Groups receive a mini-grant of up to $3,000 to lead creative, community-driven projects that transform public spaces, mobilize volunteers, and strengthen neighborhood ties.
Over the six-month program period, NYC Service connects grantees to city agency services, offers capacity-building resources, and helps equip groups with the tools and knowledge needed to sustain their projects. In the past, LYB recipients have established community gardens, commissioned neighborhood murals, organized block parties, and provided community guided workshops on health, public safety, and more.
Since 2009, NYC Service has supported over 400 resident-led groups that have engaged more than 11,500 volunteers and leveraged a total of $400,000 dollars to revitalize over 21 miles of public space in New York City through LYB.
The 2026 LYB application is LIVE and available here.
Information Sessions
Two virtual information sessions will be held. The sessions will last approximately 30 minutes with a 15-minute Q&A at the end.
Eligibility Criteria
· Be a local, 100% volunteer-led group with no paid staff; operate within the neighborhood being served
· Propose a creative project that revitalizes their block and engages the community
· Host at least one community activation (e.g., block party, volunteer series, or creation/enhancement of a community space such as a garden or fridge)
· Mobilize at least 15 volunteers over the six-month program period
· Participate in volunteer data tracking and financial record keeping, and attend required meetings
This program is meant for community groups that may otherwise not have access to funding or connections to city agencies. Some examples of groups that would be eligible for LYB funding are:
· Block/Tenants Associations
· Mutual Aid Groups
· Grassroots Groups
· Community Clubs
· Resident Led Groups
LYB also welcomes applicants who are in the very early stages of mobilizing a resident-led group; while previous experience is welcomed, it is not a requirement to apply.
Expectations
1. Grantees will carry out projects that involve revitalizing public community spaces in their neighborhood
2. Over the cycle of the program (6 months), projects should mobilize at least 15 volunteers
3. Increase the quality of life through building community engagement, enhancing civic participation and improving public spaces
4. Groups will join a like-minded cohort of locally led groups, and have a better understanding of city services, as well as community organizing in New York City
Application
The Love Your Block application goes live on March 23rd, 2026 and can be found here. NYC Service will be selecting candidates on a rolling basis until positions are filled. The application deadline is April 7th, 2026, or until all positions are filled. This means that there is a preference for earlier applicants.
Finalist applicants will be expected to complete one virtual interview and, if selected, will be notified of their award in mid-April. Once notified, a mandatory orientation session will be held.
This year, NYC Service is seeking applications that are unique and address multiple intersectional needs of the community being served.
Frequently Asked Questions
For more information on Frequently Asked Questions, see our answer sheet here: 2026 Love Your Block Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions, please email communityprograms@nycservice.nyc.gov