We are proud to share that Davila Applied Anthropological Research (DAAR), LLC has been selected as a recipient of the 2025 Neighborhood Business Grant from CitizensNYC.
This award is a tremendous honor and a meaningful step in advancing our mission to build more equitable and resilient communities. CitizensNYC recognizes that small businesses are not just places of commerce—they are anchors of local culture, community connection, and neighborhood strength. We are humbled to be part of this year’s cohort of businesses who are “doing well by doing good.”
Supporting the Next Generation of Anthropologists
The grant will support the expansion of our Harlem Applied Anthropology Internship Program. This initiative provides Harlem-based college students with hands-on training in ethnographic research, advocacy strategy, and community-rooted urban planning.
While our partner schools cover student stipends, DAAR absorbs the operational costs of program development, training materials, and coordination. Thanks to CitizensNYC, we can now strengthen the program by:
- Creating a more structured curriculum and onboarding process
- Expanding capacity to host multiple interns per cycle
- Providing resource kits, journals, and training materials to support student learning
- Hosting reflection sessions and final presentations to showcase student work
Why This Matters
Access to meaningful, paid internships is a critical equity issue. Many students of color face barriers to opportunities in research and policy careers, which limits representation in the very systems shaping our cities. By offering Harlem students an entry point into applied anthropology, DAAR is investing in local talent, building professional pathways, and ensuring that community voices are at the center of decision-making.
Looking Ahead
This grant will allow us to deepen our commitment to mentorship, community engagement, and neighborhood equity. We are grateful to CitizensNYC for believing in the power of small businesses to drive change, and for partnering with us as we grow this program.
We look forward to sharing stories from our interns and their contributions throughout the year. Stay tuned as we continue turning data into action—and building the next generation of community-rooted researchers.
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