The Neighborhood Design Center (NDC), in partnership with the City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods, invites teams of neighborhood residents and community organizations to submit proposals for inclusive placemaking projects that celebrate neighborhoods across the city.
Donor Name: Neighborhood Design Center
State: Ohio
City: Columbus
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 10/06/2025
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
614 Beautiful is a program aimed at beautifying and unifying Columbus communities through place based, public-facing improvements achievable with $15,000 of project support.
Beautification projects may include, but are not limited to: public art, landscape enhancements, wayfinding & signage, facade improvements, and/or transit-oriented interventions/streetscape improvements, and must be located within City of Columbus corporation limits. 614 Beautiful proposals should engage nearby residents, neighborhood businesses, and organizations, address environmental justice concerns, and create safe and equitable spaces. A jury consisting of project stakeholders and design professionals will review submissions and select winners to implement proposals.
614 Beautiful seeks to beautify communities through vibrant, neighborhood-driven solutions that address issues of equity and enable greater connectivity within the neighborhood. In addition to activating spaces and places, the program aims to encourage dialogue amongst neighbors, local businesses, and organizations, and promotes creativity and ingenuity in strategies that support all.
Funding Information
Grants of up to $15,000 will be awarded to selected proposals.
Eligible Expenses
- Permit fees
- Supplies and equipment rental needed to complete the project
- Payment to external vendors, where applicable
- Food for volunteers (maximum of $500).
Eligibility Criteria
- Primary applicant must be 18 years or older.
- Able to obtain liability insurance.
- Have the capacity to receive funds or partner with a legally incorporated entity with the capacity to act as a fiscal agent (i.e. LLC, 501 c(3), etc).
- The program is open to teams of community representatives and/or community organizations – submissions by an individual will not be accepted.
- Members of the jury may not submit or advise an applicant
- Applicants should consider the following:
- Projects must be located within the City of Columbus corporation limits. While project sites are open citywide, additional consideration will be given to those in identified opportunity neighborhoods.
- Proposals may include but are not limited to public art, landscape enhancements, wayfinding & signage, facade improvements, and/or transit-oriented interventions/streetscape improvements
- The proposals cannot be solely used for community gardens, but may enhance an existing garden or community space for better public access/activation.
- Proposals must be in publicly accessible locations within the community.
- Implementation of the proposal, including the purchase of materials, payments to vendors, and acquisition of appropriate permits, are the responsibility of the applicant. Project implementation must involve the community (concept approval, volunteering, neighborhood contractors)
- Applicants are responsible for community buy-in and should consult with appropriate neighborhood stakeholder groups representing the community regarding final design considerations.
- Additionally, the program encourages proposals that:
- Utilize matching funds to increase the impact of their final projects
- Accommodate as many users as possible
- Build upon existing City initiatives that benefit the quality of life for all Columbus residents.
For more information, visit NDC.
