2025–2026 FCNY Community Planning Fellowship

Omran Aburayya
Jun 1
2 min read

If you're a second-year graduate student passionate about shaping urban landscapes and fostering community development, the 2025–2026 Community Planning Fellowship by the Fund for the City of New York (FCNY) offers an exceptional opportunity. This prestigious program places students directly into the heart of New York City's community planning efforts, allowing them to work alongside local community boards and nonprofits on impactful projects. Applications are now open, with a deadline of June 9, 2025.

FCNY Fellowship Summary

Location: New York City, USA
Host Institution: Fund for the City of New York (FCNY)
Level: Second-year graduate students (Master’s level)
Target Group: Students from participating institutions: Baruch College, City College, Columbia University, Hunter College, New York University, The New School, and Pratt Institute
Fields of Study: Urban planning, architecture, urban design, historic preservation, data analytics, public health, public policy, environmental policy, sustainability management, and related disciplines
Funding: Total stipend of $5,000, disbursed as $2,500 per semester
Duration: Full academic year (September 2025 – April 2026)
Application Deadline: June 9, 2025
Start Date: September 2025
Eligible to: Second-year graduate students from the specified institutions

🌐 Fellowship Overview

The Community Planning Fellowship is designed to enhance the capacity of New York City's 59 community boards by integrating skilled graduate students into their planning processes. Fellows engage in real-world projects addressing zoning, transportation, retail development, land use, and quality-of-life issues pertinent to local neighborhoods. This immersive experience not only contributes to community development but also provides fellows with practical skills and professional networks that can propel their careers in urban planning and related fields.

🧩 Structure and Activities

Work Commitment: 12–15 hours per week throughout the academic year
Placement: Assigned to a local community board or nonprofit organization
Participation Mode: Combination of in-person and remote work
Workshops: Bi-monthly Friday sessions focusing on orientation, lectures, and training
Project Examples:
- Park Surface Coverage & Green Infrastructure Survey – Brooklyn Community Board 3
- Newkirk Plaza Space Ownership and Community Engagement Study – Brooklyn Community Board 14
- Historical Building Indexing – Staten Island Community Board 1
- Preservation and Expansion of Non-market Rate Housing – Manhattan Community Board 7
- Zoning for Carbon Neutrality – Brooklyn Community Board 14

🎁 Fellowship Benefits

Financial Support: $5,000 stipend to support your academic and professional development
Professional Experience: Hands-on involvement in community planning projects
Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry leaders, policymakers, and community stakeholders
Career Advancement: Many fellows secure positions with community boards, city agencies, or related organizations post-fellowship

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Academic Status: Must be a second-year graduate student (Master’s level)
Field of Study: Enrollment in urban planning, architecture, urban design, historic preservation, public policy, public health, environmental policy, sustainability management, or related programs
Institutional Affiliation: Preference for students from Baruch College, City College, Columbia University, Hunter College, New York University, The New School, and Pratt Institute

📝 Application Procedure

To apply for the Community Planning Fellowship, candidates must:

Complete the Online Application Form: Provide personal and academic information. (AVAILABLE HERE)
Submit a Research Agenda or Study Proposal: Outline your areas of interest and how they align with community planning objectives.
Statement of Purpose: Explain why placement at a community board or nonprofit organization would benefit your course of study and professional goals.