UMEZ is a non-profit community development financing entity that provides flexible capital solutions to strengthen under-resourced communities in Upper Manhattan and beyond; facilitating increased job creation, corporate alliances, strategic investments, and small business assistance.
Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corporation pairs arts and culture support with business finance, and its recent grants show that mix clearly. One of its largest awards went to Apollo Theatre Foundation in Harlem for development, while another major line of funding supported Lower Manhattan Cultural Council for art engagement programming in multiple years. The foundation also backed Per Scholas for a technology-sector employment initiative, reflecting a second major emphasis on workforce development. Across the grant record, it appears as a local community development financier rather than a conventional arts-only grantmaker: it uses grants, technical assistance, and financing tools to support organizations, projects, and infrastructure tied to Upper Manhattan’s economic life. Recent awards also include capacity-building support for institutions such as Firelight Media and Maysles Institute, along with cultural programming for theaters, museums, and arts groups. The pattern suggests a funder that invests in both the public-facing side of culture and the organizational systems that keep those programs operating.
In arts and culture, the foundation backed Harlem Stage with a grant for implementation of a strategic plan, salary, and non-personnel expenses, and it supported Classical Theatre of Harlem for programming, salaries, and other operating costs. It also funded the Harlem School of the Arts for health and liability insurance and accounting costs, showing attention to basic organizational needs. On capacity building, Firelight Media received support through a capacity grant, while Maysles Institute received a capacity building grant. For technical assistance, Advance NYC got a consultancy grant for fundraising strategy and development of department processes. The record also includes arts presentation and engagement work, such as funding for the Harlem Chamber Players’ production of The Ordering of Moses and Visual Arts Research’s consultant-led digital empowerment and artists retention project.
Typical grant size sits at $19,688 at the 25th percentile, $30,000 at the median, and $46,250 at the 75th percentile. The recent record includes both one-time support and repeated awards: Lower Manhattan Cultural Council appears across 2023, 2024, and 2025, and several other recipients recur in multiple years. The foundation is a regular funder and does not fund individuals. It also uses multiple vehicles, including grants, loans, loan forgiveness, and technical assistance, with some awards tied to multi-year capacity or infrastructure support. Several programs accept unsolicited proposals, including the Cultural Investment Fund and the Seed Fund for Dance.
$735K
$87.2M
$5.4M
$5M
Most grants fall between $20K and $46K, with a median of $30K.
25th Percentile
$20K
Median
$30K
75th Percentile
$46K
BLAIR M DUNCAN
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Grant activity is overwhelmingly local and centered in New York, with 99% of grants going to recipients in NY. Recent awards land most often in New York City neighborhoods such as Harlem and the Bronx, with examples in Harlem, New York, and the Bronx, New York. One recipient in Floral Park, New York, also appears in the recent grant list, along with a loan forgiveness award in Midland Park, New Jersey. The country distribution is entirely domestic: 84 grants, or 100.0%, went to US recipients.
The foundation supports arts and culture organizations, workforce development groups, small businesses, and community-based nonprofits. Its recent grants include cultural institutions, a technology-sector employment initiative, technical assistance for fundraising and department processes, and financing tools for commercial real estate and business development.
Typical grant size is $19,688 at the 25th percentile, $30,000 at the median, and $46,250 at the 75th percentile. The recent record also includes larger awards for capital, capacity, and program support, alongside smaller grants such as the $5,000 Seed Fund for Dance.
Yes. Lower Manhattan Cultural Council received awards in 2023, 2024, and 2025, and several other organizations appear more than once across the recent grant list. The pattern includes recurring support for arts and capacity-building work rather than only one-time awards.
Some programs accept unsolicited proposals. The Cultural Investment Fund accepts unsolicited applications, and the Mertz Gilmore / UMEZ Seed Fund for Dance also accepts unsolicited proposals. Other listed programs, including technical assistance and infrastructure grants, do not accept unsolicited applications.
Giving is highly concentrated in New York. The foundation’s geographic scope is local, 99% of grants go to recipients in NY, and recent recipients include organizations in Harlem, the Bronx, New York, and Floral Park.
2026
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2026.
Current and upcoming funding from Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Preference is given to registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in, planning to locate in, or serving Upper Manhattan residents. Applicants must have a proven track record in training and employment services, an annual operating budget over $500,000, and a viable sustainability plan.
Deadline: LOIs accepted on an ongoing basis
Who can apply: Organization must be located in Upper Manhattan and focused on arts and culture for public audiences; registered 501(c)(3); budget over $100,000; active functioning board; matching requirement applies; additional category-specific eligibility and restrictions apply.
Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Who can apply: Organizations must be located in Upper Manhattan, be registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits, have no unresolved tax obligations, and have budgets over $100,000. The project must improve management or operations without creating new staff positions and requires matching funds.
Deadline: Applications for Infrastructure grants are accepted on a rolling basis.
Who can apply: Available specifically to arts organizations that collaborate to present a major cultural project in Upper Manhattan; current UMEZ grantees may also apply concurrently with restrictions.
Deadline: Accepted on a rolling basis.
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Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LOWER MANHATTAN CULTURAL COUMCIL | NEW YORK, NY | $354,000 | 2026 | ART ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM |
| APOLLO THEATRE FOUNDATION INC | NEW YORK, NY | $175,000 | 2026 | TO SUPPORT MAJOR CAPITAL COMPONENTS FOR APOLLO SOUNDSTAGE AND THE VICTORIA THEATERS. |
| NEW YORK URBAN LEAGUE INC | NEW YORK, NY | $25,000 | 2026 | ERCB GRANT |
| YOUTH ACTION PROGRAMS AND HOME INC | NEW YORK, NY | $25,000 | 2026 | CAPACITY GRANT |
| NORTHERN MANHATTAN ARTS ALLIANCE | NEW YORK, NY | $25,000 | 2026 | ERCB GRANT |
| COMMUNITY LEAGUE OF THE HEIGHTS INC | NEW YORK, NY | $25,000 | 2026 | ERCB GRANT |
| STRIVE INTERNATIONAL INC | NEW YORK, NY | $25,000 | 2026 | ERCB GRANT |
| COMMUNITY IMPACT | NEW YORK, NY | $25,000 | 2026 | ERCB GRANT |
| MAYSLES INSTITUTE INC | NEW YORK, NY | $21,239 | 2026 | CAPACITY GRANT |
| PUBLIC WORKS PARTNERS LLC | NEW YORK, NY | $20,000 | 2026 | TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SUPPORT WORKFORCE |
| WORKFORCE PROFESSION | NEW YORK, NY | $15,000 | 2026 | TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SUPPORT WORKFORCE |
| LOWER MANHATTAN CULTURAL COUMCIL | NEW YORK, NY | $347,000 | 2025 | ART ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM |
| PER SCHOLAS INC | BRONX, NY | $97,678 | 2025 | TECH SECTOR EMPLOYMENT INTIATIVE |
| MAYSLES INSTITUTE INC | NEW YORK, NY | $70,000 | 2025 | CAPACITY GRANT |
| FIRELIGHT MEDIA INC | NEW YORK, NY | $28,876 | 2025 | CAPACITY GRANT |
| MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK INC | NEW YORK, NY | $26,834 | 2025 | CAPACITY GRANT |
| KAARTA IMPORT & EXPORT | NEW YORK, NY | $26,000 | 2025 | LOAN FORGIVENESS |
| STRIVE INTERNATIONAL INC | NEW YORK, NY | $25,000 | 2025 | ERCB GRANT |
| NORTHERN MANHATTAN ARTS ALLIANCE | NEW YORK, NY | $25,000 | 2025 | ERCB GRANT |
| COMMUNITY IMPACT | NEW YORK, NY | $25,000 | 2025 | ERCB GRANT |
| COMMUNITY LEAGUE OF THE HEIGHTS INC | NEW YORK, NY | $25,000 | 2025 | ERCB GRANT |
| NEW YORK URBAN LEAGUE INC | NEW YORK, NY | $25,000 | 2025 | ERCB GRANT |
| YOUTH ACTION PROGRAMS AND HOME INC | NEW YORK, NY | $25,000 | 2025 | CAPACITY GRANT |
| SUGAR HILL CHILDREN'S MUSEUM OF ART & STORYTELLING | NEW YORK, NY | $18,750 | 2025 | CULTURAL AID GRANT FUND |
| SOHARLEM INC | NEW YORK, NY | $18,537 | 2025 | CREATIVE ECONOMIC INTIATIVE |
| NATIONAL BLACK PROGRAM CONSORTIUM | NEW YORK, NY | $15,000 | 2025 | COVID 19 RELIEF GRANT |
| LAWYERS ALLIANCE FOR NEW YORK | NEW YORK, NY | $14,000 | 2025 | EMPLOYMENT LAW PRESENTATION |
| HARLEM ARTS ALLIANCE INC | NEW YORK, NY | $10,000 | 2025 | COVID 19 RELIEF GRANT |
| DENHAM WOLF REAL ESTATE SERVIVES INC | NEW YORK, NY | $6,667 | 2025 | BIPOC REAL ESTATE OWNERSHIP AND DEV. |
| BRISC FY22 ADMIN GRANT Q1 2 3 &4 | NEW YORK, NY | $478,271 | 2024 | TO COVER ADMINISTRATION EXPENSES |
| LOWER MANHATTAN CULTURAL COUMCIL | NEW YORK, NY | $350,800 | 2024 | ART ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM |
| FIRELIGHT MEDIA INC | NEW YORK, NY | $168,760 | 2024 | CAPACITY GRANT |
| PER SCHOLAS INC | BRONX, NY | $95,322 | 2024 | TECHNOLOGY SECTOR EMPLOYMENT INITIATIVE |
| MAYSLES INSTITUTE INC | NEW YORK, NY | $84,000 | 2024 | CAPACITY BUILDING GRANT |
| HIP-HOP THEATER FESTIVAL (HI-ARTS) | NEW YORK, NY | $60,000 | 2024 | CAPACITY BUILDING INITIATIVE GRANT&COVID-19 PANDEMIC GRANT FOR PROGRAMMING,SALARIES, & NON-PERSONNEL EXPENSES |
| VISUAL ARTS RESEARCH | NEW YORK, NY | $50,000 | 2024 | COVID-19 PANDEMIC GRANT TO SUPPORT CONSULTANT DIGITAL EMPOWERMENT & ARTISTS RETENTION PROJECT |
| CLASSICAL THEATRE OF HARLEM | NEW YORK, NY | $42,000 | 2024 | COVID-19 PANDEMIC GRANT FOR PROGRAMMING,SALARIES, & NON-PERSONNEL EXPENSES |
| HARLEM STAGE | NEW YORK, NY | $40,000 | 2024 | COVID-19 PANDEMIC GRANT TO SUPPORT IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN, SALARY, &NON-PERSONNEL EXPENSE |
| PEOPLE'S THEATER PROJECT INC | BRONX, NY | $37,500 | 2024 | COVID-19 PANDEMIC GRANT FOR PROGRAMMING,SALARIES, & NON-PERSONNEL EXPENSES |
| ENVOIE PROJECT LLC | NEW YORK, NY | $35,670 | 2024 | TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CONSULTANCY FOR REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT |
| THE NATIONAL JAZZ MUSEUM IN HARLEM | NEW YORK, NY | $35,000 | 2024 | COVID-19 PANDEMIC GRANT TO SUPPORT CONSULTANT FEES, SALARY, & NON-PERSONNEL EXPENSE |
| NORTHERN MANHATTAN ARTS ALLIANCE | NEW YORK, NY | $32,500 | 2024 | COVID-19 PANDEMIC GRANT TO SUPPORT IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN, SALARY, &NON-PERSONNEL EXPENSE |
| MORRIS-JUMEL MANSION | NEW YORK, NY | $32,500 | 2024 | COVID-19 PANDEMIC GRANT TO SUPPORT IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN, SALARY, &NON-PERSONNEL EXPENSE |
| FORCES OF NATUREINC | NEW YORK, NY | $32,500 | 2024 | TO SUPPORT PARTIAL SALARY EXPENSE & DEVELOPMENT , NON-PERSONNEL EXPENSE |
| AFRO-LATIN JAZZ ALLIANCE | NEW YORK, NY | $31,500 | 2024 | BOARD DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE & STRATEGIC ACTIVITIES |
| E MONTE MOTION INC DBA EMERGE 125 | NEW YORK, NY | $30,000 | 2024 | COVID-19 PANDEMIC GRANT TO SUPPORT PAYROLL EXPENSE & FINANCE SOFTWARE |
| MELISSA SANDOR INC | NEW YORK, NY | $30,000 | 2024 | TECHNICAL ASSISTANMCE CONSULTANCY W/ HARLEM CHAMBER PLAYER |
| MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK INC | NEW YORK, NY | $28,382 | 2024 | CAPACITY BUILDING GRANT |
| HARLEM BUSINESS ALLIANCE | NEW YORK, NY | $27,250 | 2024 | MICROLOAN OUTREACH & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE |
| MAMA FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS INC | NEW YORK, NY | $25,000 | 2024 | COVID-19 PANDEMIC GRANT FOR PROGRAMMING,SALARIES, & NON-PERSONNEL EXPENSES |
TO SUPPORT MAJOR CAPITAL COMPONENTS FOR APOLLO SOUNDSTAGE AND THE VICTORIA THEATERS.
NORTHERN MANHATTAN ARTS ALLIANCE
$25,000ERCB GRANT
COMMUNITY IMPACT
$25,000ERCB GRANT
PUBLIC WORKS PARTNERS LLC
$20,000TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SUPPORT WORKFORCE
KAARTA IMPORT & EXPORT
$26,000LOAN FORGIVENESS
NORTHERN MANHATTAN ARTS ALLIANCE
$25,000ERCB GRANT
COMMUNITY IMPACT
$25,000ERCB GRANT
SOHARLEM INC
$18,537CREATIVE ECONOMIC INTIATIVE
HARLEM ARTS ALLIANCE INC
$10,000COVID 19 RELIEF GRANT
DENHAM WOLF REAL ESTATE SERVIVES INC
$6,667BIPOC REAL ESTATE OWNERSHIP AND DEV.
BRISC FY22 ADMIN GRANT Q1 2 3 &4
$478,271TO COVER ADMINISTRATION EXPENSES
CAPACITY BUILDING INITIATIVE GRANT&COVID-19 PANDEMIC GRANT FOR PROGRAMMING,SALARIES, & NON-PERSONNEL EXPENSES
COVID-19 PANDEMIC GRANT TO SUPPORT CONSULTANT DIGITAL EMPOWERMENT & ARTISTS RETENTION PROJECT
COVID-19 PANDEMIC GRANT FOR PROGRAMMING,SALARIES, & NON-PERSONNEL EXPENSES
COVID-19 PANDEMIC GRANT TO SUPPORT IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN, SALARY, &NON-PERSONNEL EXPENSE
COVID-19 PANDEMIC GRANT FOR PROGRAMMING,SALARIES, & NON-PERSONNEL EXPENSES
ENVOIE PROJECT LLC
$35,670TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CONSULTANCY FOR REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT
COVID-19 PANDEMIC GRANT TO SUPPORT CONSULTANT FEES, SALARY, & NON-PERSONNEL EXPENSE
NORTHERN MANHATTAN ARTS ALLIANCE
$32,500COVID-19 PANDEMIC GRANT TO SUPPORT IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN, SALARY, &NON-PERSONNEL EXPENSE
MORRIS-JUMEL MANSION
$32,500COVID-19 PANDEMIC GRANT TO SUPPORT IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGIC PLAN, SALARY, &NON-PERSONNEL EXPENSE
FORCES OF NATUREINC
$32,500TO SUPPORT PARTIAL SALARY EXPENSE & DEVELOPMENT , NON-PERSONNEL EXPENSE
COVID-19 PANDEMIC GRANT TO SUPPORT PAYROLL EXPENSE & FINANCE SOFTWARE
MELISSA SANDOR INC
$30,000TECHNICAL ASSISTANMCE CONSULTANCY W/ HARLEM CHAMBER PLAYER
HARLEM BUSINESS ALLIANCE
$27,250MICROLOAN OUTREACH & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
COVID-19 PANDEMIC GRANT FOR PROGRAMMING,SALARIES, & NON-PERSONNEL EXPENSES