Troy

A Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute fraternity plans to award $10,000 in grants to bolster the Mount Ida neighborhood in which its chapter house is located.

The Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity's Gamma Tetarton chapter will hold a community meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday at 320 Congress St. to start the 2015 Mount Ida Community Development Micro-Grant Program.

During its initial round of grants last year, the fraternity received nine applications and awarded six grants of $1,000 each, said Paul Marano, president of the chapter's alumni association. This time, for the second round, Marano said the chapter wants to award 10 grants of $1,000 each.

Grants may be applied for home improvement, historic restoration, neighborhood beautification, maintaining community parks and green spaces, or for not-for-profit programs serving neighborhood residents.

The application deadline is April 22. The awards will be announced May 5.

Applications are available online at www.pskrpi.com or at The Cookie Factory and the Stewart's shop on Congress Street and Pawling Avenue. "I am very excited about this program, and the opportunity to work with our neighbors to improve the Mount Ida community," said John Stall, chapter president.

Councilman Ken Zalewski, who represents the neighborhood, praised the grant program.

"Four years ago, I expressed my confidence that the brothers of Phi Sigma Kappa would make a positive impact on their new neighborhood," Zalewski said.

"With the creation of the Mount Ida Community Development Micro Grant Program, these young men have delivered on their promise to improve the community in a tangible and worthwhile manner," the councilman continued.

The fraternity chapter purchased the former St. Francis DeSales church and rectory at 320 Congress St. four years ago and moved in. It currently has 21 student members.

kcrowe@timesunion.com • 518-454-5084 • @KennethCrowe