After Hurricane Sandy, the public concern has been focused on rebuilding damaged houses. While many resources are being put toward housing, The Citizens Committee for New York City has a different focus. They are offering micro-grants for volunteers to transform public spaces.

The Citizens Committee for New York City is a non-profit organization centered around improving the quality of life for New Yorkers. They are the leading organization in NYC that offers funding to grassroots volunteer groups. Local groups they’ve supported often aren’t large enough to have a 501(c)(3) status for tax exemption, but have done work to better under-served neighborhoods through gardening, fine arts, education, fitness, and more.

This summer, The Citizens Committee for New York is offering micro-grants of up to $2,000 to groups of volunteers who want to improve public spaces. “Getting affected individuals back into their homes is the most important task. Too little attention has been paid to community spaces,” says CEO Peter Kostmayer, “Gardens absorb water. Sidewalks don’t.”

How will you better public space in our city? For those interested in applying for a grant, the due date is August 1.