On September 7, 2011, the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation announced a Funding Plan for the distribution of $17 million in Community and Cultural Enhancement Program grants to 38 recipients. The 38 grants are being awarded to organizations for a broad range of projects and services including youth, senior and social services, health care, education, recreation, and cultural initiatives.

LMDC received 266 applications totaling more than $190 million in funding requests. Grantees were selected based on evaluations of their applications by a six member Cultural Grant Advisory Committee. Funding allocations were based on adherence to the Community and Cultural Enhancement Guidelines established by the LMDC Board and released in 2010. Funding consideration was given based on the ability of a project or program to:

• spur long-term Lower Manhattan revitalization
• build audiences
• encourage collaboration to strengthen the quality of life in the neighborhood
• enhance existing infrastructure or create new infrastructure
• sustain multiyear programs; create and sustain jobs.

The commitment of $17 million in funding focuses on projects and institutions that revitalize Lower Manhattan, enhance the identity of Lower Manhattan, anchor and enhance local communities, transform institutions and organizations, and strengthen Lower Manhattan as a cultural destination.

The organizations selected represent the energy, diversity, and excellence of New York City’s non-profit community. The cultural institutions are the backbone of Lower Manhattan’s tourism industry and a magnet for students, businesses and new residents. The community institutions serve children, teens, and seniors in diverse communities and strengthen organizations that create jobs, provide social services and revitalize public spaces.

Funds allocated to the non profits selected through this process will continue to reinforce and expand Lower Manhattan’s identity as a thriving and diverse community with an exciting cultural center for artists and audiences not only from the area but also from around the world. For a complete list of the grant recipients with brief project descriptions and funding allocations, see the link below.

• Press Release
• List of Recipients