University Neighborhood Service Agreement Advisory Committee (UNSAAC)

The UNSAAC Grant is funded through the University Neighborhood Service Agreement between the City of Syracuse and Syracuse University. It provides funding to programs or projects that address the impact of Syracuse University on surrounding neighborhoods. Each year, volunteers from areas near the University form a University Neighborhood Service Agreement Advisory Committee (“UNSAAC”) to request and review proposals for programs or projects.

Eligible non-profit organizations are invited to apply for funding for neighborhood programs, projects or services that promote preservation and improvement of housing, community support, or park and public space improvements within the service agreement borders. The UNSAAC Grant fund is currently $375,000.

Apply

Step 1.Check Qualifications

To apply, your organization needs to be a 501(c)(3) organization or have a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. Your program or project must also:

Address issues that are related to being in close proximity to Syracuse University.
Focus on eligible neighborhoods (see map).
Have measurable outcomes.

Step 2.Review Application Timeline & Guidelines

Download the application linked below to review grant timeline, guidelines, and requirements (pages 1 to 7).

Step 3.Complete Application

Complete the application (pages 8 to 17). Be sure to save it to your computer. Required documentation listed in the Application Documentation Checklist must be included as attachments.

Step 4.Submit Application

One application should be submitted for each project / program. Email the completed pdf application along with all required documentation to:

City of Syracuse, NBD
Attn: UNSAAC 2025-2026 Application
Teastman@syr.gov

Applications are due no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, April 21,2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered for funding.

Download Application Here(PDF, 6MB)

Timeline

Organizations apply for the UNSAAC Grant in early spring to receive funding for the upcoming program year, which runs from July 1 - June 30.

Applications Open

March 21, 2025

Technical Assistance Training

March 28, 2025 at 12 p.m.

Applicants looking for assistance in completing the RFP are invited to attend an overview of the UNSAAC RFP and application process. The workshop will be held online via Microsoft Teams. The recording and slides will be posted on the City website by Wednesday, April 2.

Join Microsoft Teams Meeting

Meeting ID: 254 897 499 367

Passcode: Az76m82j

Applications Due
April 21, 2025 by 5 p.m.

Public Comment Meeting

May 12, 2025

Council Vote

May 2025

Program Year Begins

July 1, 2025

Are you a Syracuse resident looking for assistance?

If you or your family need support, you can:

Call 211 or visit 211cny.com to get connected to resources you need.
Call us at 315-448-1800 to ask about organizations we fund that may be able to help.
Check out this list of Community Organizations that provide services and programs throughout the City of Syracuse.