In-Kind Space Requests

West Harlem Development Corporation Holiday Celebration at Columbia's Miller Theatre

Are you a local organization looking to rent space on Columbia University's campus for your special event? Columbia has committed to making available to the local community access to a range of existing Columbia University facilities, services, and amenities through the in-kind program. 

The application form to request a space at Columbia is available here. The event form re-opens for submissions on the first Monday of the month. For more information, see Section II.E of the West Harlem Community Benefits Agreement.

As part of the In-Kind Facilities and Services benefit in the West Harlem Community Benefits Agreement, the West Harlem Development Corporation (WHDC) can use part of its "In-Kind" fund to request the use of space at Columbia University on behalf of local community groups. Local community groups must be located in Manhattan Community District 9 (MCD9), which is defined as the area between 110th and 155th Streets and the Hudson River and the eastern boundary of Manhattan, Morningside, St. Nicholas, Bradhurst, and Edgecombe Avenues. To learn more about CB9’s district lines, consult the district map on their website.

Please note that the in-kind benefit covers room rental and associated services, not catering. All catering costs will be covered by the organization hosting the event. 

For each event, the in-kind benefit covers:

  • Room charge
  • Public safety
  • AV/Tech
  • Furniture
  • Personnel

Frequently Asked Questions

Which organizations can use the in-kind space benefit?
Local community groups must be located in Manhattan Community District 9 (MCD9), which is defined as the area between 110th and 155th Streets and the Hudson River and the eastern boundary of Manhattan, Morningside, St. Nicholas, Bradhurst, and Edgecombe Avenues. 

What out-of-pocket expenses should my organization expect to pay?
Your organization will only be charged a fee if they opt to have food at their event.  

Am I allowed to use an outside caterer for an event?
Our policy on outside catering changes per venue. In instances where an outside caterer is allowed, additional fees are incurred that are not covered by the in-kind benefit. 

Contact Information

All requests for space through this process must be submitted to the West Harlem Development Corporation. For more information about GCA's role in this process, contact Phoebe-Sade Arnold.