Get Involved

The Community Planning & Research Accelerator (CPRA) is a funding and technical assistance program that invests in NYC organizations to help them create lasting community change. Download the program brief to learn more and apply by August 31.

The Community Planning & Research Accelerator (CPRA) is a funding and technical assistance program that invests in New York City organizations working to advance social justice, address neighborhood challenges, and create lasting community change.

Up to four organizations will receive:

  • $15,000 Project Grant for one year

  • Approximately 200 Hours of Planning or Research Support from Pratt Center Staff

Download the program brief to learn more and apply by August 31.

Register for information sessions on July 16, 1:00 - 2:00 PM and July 22, 10:00 - 11:00 AM.

For any questions regarding the program, please email cpra-prattcenter@pratt.edu.

Organizations must meet the following criteria to be eligible:

• Be based in New York City
• Have 501(c)(3) nonprofit status or fiscal sponsorship
• Have at least one paid staff member
• Designate a staff member to serve as project lead
• Propose a project that aligns with the goals of the program

Projects should advance community priorities and benefit from community-based planning, community-engaged research, or related technical assistance.

Priority will be given to smaller organizations, organizations with limited access to funding, organizations new to Pratt Center, and organizations based in the Bronx and Staten Island.

Learn more about eligibility in our program brief.

  • Application Opens: July 1, 2026 

  • Information Session #1 (Optional): July 16, 1:00 - 2:00 PM

  • Information Sessions #2 (Optional): July 22, 10:00 - 11:00 AM

  • Office Hours (Optional): July to August 2026

  • Application Deadline: August 31, 2026 at 5:00 PM

  • Finalist Interviews: September 2026

  • CPRA Participants Selected and Notified: October 2026

  • Program Period: October 2026 - September 2027

Learn more about what you need to apply, eligibility and priority, and more in our program brief.

Apply for the Community Planning & Research Accelerator by August 31 at 5:00 PM EST.

Pratt Center will be holding two optional information sessions: