TROY – With 36 projects funded, the Mount Ida Community Development Micro-Grant Program is starting its fifth year of support business and residential improvements in the Congress Street neighborhood with a goal of attracting partners to expand the initiative.

The Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute began the program in 2014 when it opened its new house in the former St. Francis DeSales Roman Catholic church and rectory at 320 Congress St. as part of its relocation from its former Hoosick Street house.

“This grant program is just one part of Phi Sigma Kappa’s commitment to the growth, improvement and future of the Mt. Ida community,” Paul Marano, president of the Phi Sigma Kappa Alumni Association, said Wednesday.

The program was seeded with $50,000 allocated from the sale of the former frat house. Through investments, the fraternity has between $40,000 to $50,000 still available after distributing $36,000 in grants over four years, Marano said.

“We’d like to have this program run in perpetuity. We’re trying to get some other participants,” Marano said.

While Phi Sigma seeks additional partners to underwrite the grants, it has opened its fifth round of applications for projects to assist in the Mt. Ida neighborhood.

Past grants have been used for business interior improvements, home repairs, historic restoration of grave sites in the Mount Ida cemetery, food pantry equipment, and neighborhood beautification. Applicants can receive up to $1,000 for their projects annually

“The overwhelming response we got from the Mount Ida community is an indication that the residents of Mount Ida are vested in improving their neighborhood. We are confident the projects are having a positive impact on the neighborhood,” Marano said.

Program information and applications are available for download at pskrpi.com/grantprogram.html or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MtIdaCommunityGrantProgram/.

The fraternity will hold a meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 20, at 320 Congress St. to present this year’s program. Applications are due April 10.

The grants are available to residents, businesses and organizations in the neighborhood area that is south from College Avenue west of 15th Street and south of Tibbits Avenue between 15th Street and Bleeker Avenue. On the west, it is bordered by the western end of 11th Street. The area for the grants also includes Prospect Park, Mount Ida Cemetery and the corner of Congress Street and Pawling Avenue.