Projects
Learn more about eligible projects and submit your proposal! The Open Call for Project Proposals will be open from July 20, 2026 to September 2, 2026. See below for more details.
Open Call for Project Proposals
Do you have a business or property with an eligible project that could help revitalize the Titus-Hudson-Cooper area? The Open Call for Project Proposals is open starting July 20, 2026 to September 2, 2026 at 11:59 PM. See below for more details.​​
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Is your application ready to submit? Click here to learn how to submit!​
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Click the appropriate form below to download.
Eligible Project Types
NEW DEVELOPMENT AND/OR REHABILITATION OF EXISTING BUILDINGS
Projects in this category may include the development or redevelopment of real property for mixed-use, commercial, residential, not-for-profit, or public uses. All projects should be capital investments or should lead to capital investments. They should have a visible and functional impact on the downtown, serving as catalytic or transformative projects that will provide employment opportunities, housing choices, and/or services for the community. Proposals to construct or rehabilitate parking facilities will only be considered if they directly support new development in the downtown area.
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
​These may include projects such as streetscape and transportation improvements, recreational trails, wayfinding signage, new and upgraded parks, plazas, public art, green infrastructure, and other public realm projects that will contribute to the revitalization of the downtown.
SMALL PROJECT FUND
A locally managed matching small project fund may be proposed to undertake a range of smaller downtown projects such as facade enhancements, building renovation improvements to commercial or mixed-use spaces, business assistance, or public art. Funds are capped at $300,000 for NY Forward communities. However, a NY Forward community can receive up to $600,000 if there is substantial demand demonstrated for a Small Project Fund. Each project undertaken under the Small Project Fund must individually meet the required matching requirements.
BRANDING AND MARKETING
Study area branding and marketing projects that may target residents, investors, developers, tourists, and/or visitors are eligible projects. The costs eligible under this category must be one-time expenses, such as those to develop associated materials. Ongoing operational costs, such as funding a downtown manager or maintaining a website, are not eligible for DRI/NY Forward funding. This project type is intended for the overall branding and marketing of a downtown, not to provide branding and marketing services to individual downtown businesses or other entities.
Eligible Project Sponsors
NY Forward funding may be awarded to public, not-for-profit, and private entities to implement projects included in the final Strategic Investment Plan (SIP). Each project must have a project sponsor that has both the capacity and the legal authority to undertake the project and to whom the grant funds may be awarded. A project sponsor must be an entity and not an individual. Proposals from project sponsors that are membership-only organizations or religious facilities must propose projects that are available to the public and not just to active members.
Webinars
Certain projects funded through DRI/NY Forward will be required to meet the program’s decarbonization standards and consult with the State Historic Preservation Office. Join one of these webinars to learn more about these program aspects and how they may affect your proposed project.
Decarbonization 101
Historic Preservation
How to Submit Your Proposal
Project forms can be submitted:
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In person or by mail to the Town Hall
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1280 Titus Ave, Rochester NY 14617
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By email to irondequoitnyforward@gmail.com
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If you have any questions about the application, please contact Kiernan Playford at kiernan.playford@collierseng.com.
The Open Call for Project Proposals is open starting July 20, 2026 to September 2, 2026 at 11:59 PM