City Officials Hand Out $350K in Nightlife Grants to 12 Nonprofits; Projects Aim to Boost Industry Resiliency and Community Engagement.
The Office of Nightlife has announced its inaugural Nightlife Grant program, doling out over $350,000 to 12 nonprofits and community organizations across the city. The grants, which total up to $40,000 each, are aimed at strengthening the resiliency, equity, and vitality of New York City's nightlife industry and commercial corridors.
The recipients, including groups like Nightlife United, Queens' Caribbean Equality Project, and Pratt Center, will be expected to complete their projects by June 30, 2026. Among these, Nightlife United plans to launch a workforce development initiative to train professionals from underrepresented communities in ownership and management roles. Other project outcomes include enhancing venue sustainability, upping foot traffic; improving employee retention, harm reduction initiatives, and cultural visibility.
The Office of Nightlife was established by former Mayor Bill de Blasio in 2017 as an advocate for the city's DIY venues and a liaison between City Hall and the boroughs' multibillion-dollar nightlife industry. According to Commissioner Dynishal Gross, the idea for the new program arose during a convening of the Nightlife Advisory Board at City Hall, where "fabulous ideas" were shared.
The grants aim to create programs that center queer Caribbean culture through dance and music in Richmond Hill, Queens, according to Mohamed Q. Amin, founder and executive director of the Caribbean Equality Project. Similarly, Office of Nightlife Executive Director Jeffrey Garcia emphasized the importance of these organizations, stating that they provide New Yorkers with places to gather, create, express themselves, and connect.
Here is the full list of all 12 recipients of the inaugural NYC Nightlife Grants:
* Alice Austen House
* Anti-Violence Project
* Caribbean Equality Project
* Future Meets Present
* Harlem Late Night Jazz
* Nightlife United
* OutSmartNYC
* Pratt Center
* Queer Nightlife Community Center
* RedMoon Arts Movement
* Sound Mind
* The Bunker New York
The Office of Nightlife has announced its inaugural Nightlife Grant program, doling out over $350,000 to 12 nonprofits and community organizations across the city. The grants, which total up to $40,000 each, are aimed at strengthening the resiliency, equity, and vitality of New York City's nightlife industry and commercial corridors.
The recipients, including groups like Nightlife United, Queens' Caribbean Equality Project, and Pratt Center, will be expected to complete their projects by June 30, 2026. Among these, Nightlife United plans to launch a workforce development initiative to train professionals from underrepresented communities in ownership and management roles. Other project outcomes include enhancing venue sustainability, upping foot traffic; improving employee retention, harm reduction initiatives, and cultural visibility.
The Office of Nightlife was established by former Mayor Bill de Blasio in 2017 as an advocate for the city's DIY venues and a liaison between City Hall and the boroughs' multibillion-dollar nightlife industry. According to Commissioner Dynishal Gross, the idea for the new program arose during a convening of the Nightlife Advisory Board at City Hall, where "fabulous ideas" were shared.
The grants aim to create programs that center queer Caribbean culture through dance and music in Richmond Hill, Queens, according to Mohamed Q. Amin, founder and executive director of the Caribbean Equality Project. Similarly, Office of Nightlife Executive Director Jeffrey Garcia emphasized the importance of these organizations, stating that they provide New Yorkers with places to gather, create, express themselves, and connect.
Here is the full list of all 12 recipients of the inaugural NYC Nightlife Grants:
* Alice Austen House
* Anti-Violence Project
* Caribbean Equality Project
* Future Meets Present
* Harlem Late Night Jazz
* Nightlife United
* OutSmartNYC
* Pratt Center
* Queer Nightlife Community Center
* RedMoon Arts Movement
* Sound Mind
* The Bunker New York
, I'm lovin' this move by the city officials! $350K to boost the nightlife scene is like, exactly what we need. Back in my day, we used to have these sick underground clubs that were the heartbeat of the city. But now, it's all about corporate events and stuff. This grant program is like a breath of fresh air, ya know? It's not just about throwing money at problems, but actually empowering the community and supporting small businesses.
The fact that these grants are focusing on queer Caribbean culture is like, music to my ears. Richmond Hill, Queens needs more of this, for sho'. Let's hope these organizations can make it happen and bring back the magic of NYC nightlife! 
$350k to boost the nightlife scene in NYC? That's like a dream come true for anyone who's ever been to a sick club or bar in the city. But at the same time, it's also kinda crazy that they're doling out so much cash without really addressing some of the deeper issues with gentrification and displacement in the industry.
! And it's dope that the Office of Nightlife is trying to center queer Caribbean culture through dance and music – Richmond Hill deserves some love 
. Can't wait to see how these grants play out in 2026 
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. I mean, have you ever been to a venue where they actually check in with you about your day and offer you a drink? That's what these grants are trying to do, right? It's not just about throwing some money at people and expecting them to figure it out on their own... although, I guess that does sound like how Pratt Center got started 
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. And I love how they're focusing on harm reduction and employee retention - that's so important for everyone's well-being. Let's hope these grants make a real difference in the city's nightlife scene 
I'm so hyped that there are projects focused on workforce development, sustainability, and harm reduction - it's like, the city is finally listening to its people and trying to make things more equitable. And can we talk about how cool it is that there are programs centered around queer Caribbean culture? 
Like, Richmond Hill, Queens, is getting a major boost! 
. I mean, who doesn't love a good night out with friends or live music? 
The fact that they're focusing on workforce development, sustainability, and cultural visibility is everything! 
And it's awesome that they're focusing on creating equity and sustainability in the industry - we should be supporting our local businesses and artists in every way possible! 
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