ΦΣK (Phi Sigma Kappa)
Mount Ida Micro Grant Program 2026
Purpose
As neighbors dedicated to the growth, improvement and future of the Mt. Ida community, Phi Sigma
Kappa Fraternity at RPI is sponsoring a grant program to improve the “quality of life” in the Mt. Ida
neighborhood. Home-owners, landlords, business owners and non-for-profits, will be eligible to apply
for a grant up to the amount of $1,500 for the purpose of:
• Home Improvement / Historic Restoration
• Neighborhood Beautification Projects
• Maintaining Community Parks and Green Spaces
• Not-for-profit programs which service residents of the neighborhood
Who is Eligible to apply?
Any of the following individuals, businesses, or organizations who live and/or work in or near the Mt
Ida micro grant target area (see map below) are eligible to apply. Although not shown on the map, Mt
Ida Cemetery is included in the target area.
• Home-owners (1, 2, or 3 unit owner occupied building)
• Business Owners (Merchants, restaurants, professional offices)
• Land-lords (non-owner occupied or owner occupied building with 4 or more units)
• Churches and Not-for-Profits
How Much Money Can I apply for?
The maximum grant award to any Individual, business or organization is $1,500. Applicant funding
requests will be as follows:
• Home-owners: up to $1,500
• Business Owners: 50% match up to $1,500
• Land-lords: 50% match up to $1,500
• Churches and Not-for-Profits: up to $1,500
What can the money be used for?
The money has to be used on projects or programs that improve the quality of life in the Mt Ida
Neighborhood. Here are some projects/programs that qualify:
• Exterior Home Repair - Painting, Siding, Window Replacement, Roof Repair, Masonry repair,
sidewalk improvements, etc.
• Interior Home Repair - Painting, Energy improvements, Insulation, code compliant repairs,
plumbing, etc.
• Street scape/Green space improvements – Flowers, Planters, Garbage Cans, Public Murals,
Improved Signage, etc.
• Social Programs - Food pantries, After school programs, Substance abuse programs,
Neighborhood watch, etc.
​
How Do I apply?
Fill out an application. Applications can be downloaded here, from the PSK Facebook Page or picked up at the various locations such as City Hall, Cookie Factory, Stewarts, etc.
​​
How often is money awarded?
Money will be awarded once a year in April. Applicants must submit a completed grant application by
April 13th, 2626 by 5:00PM to be considered for the current years funding requests.
How are applications evaluated and award recipients determined?
All applications will be reviewed by an award committee. The committee is comprised of people who
live and work in the Mt Ida Neighborhood and chaired by a Phi Sigma Kappa Alumni representative.
Members of the committee are, local business owners, local residents and local not-for-profits.
All applications will receive a score between 0-100 determining their overall impact on the Mt. Ida
Neighborhood. The scoring system will be included in the grant application. The top 10 applications
receiving more than 5 points in each category and a score of 75 or higher will be awarded a grant.
​
How are funds disbursed?
The maximum grant award to any Individual, businesses or organization with a valid federal social
security or tax id number, is $1,500. All projects/programs must be completed or operational within
120 days of award. Funds will be disbursed as follows:
• Home-owners: 50% at start of project, 50% after completion
• Business Owners: 100% at completion
• Land-lords: 100% at completion
• Churches and Not-for-Profits: 50% at start of project, 50% after completion
