The City of Valparaiso is seeking applications for its Neighborhood Improvement Grant program.
Donor Name: City of Valparaiso
State: Indiana
City: Valparaiso
Type of Grant: Grant
Type of Entity: Neighborhood-based Groups
Deadline (mm/dd/yyyy): 03/01/2022
Size of the Grant: $15,000 or $30,000
Grant Duration: 9 months
Details:
The Neighborhood Improvement Grant program is intended to give residents an opportunity to have direct input and influence into the improvement of Valparaiso’s neighborhoods. The funds provide for small neighborhood-based projects that offer community-wide benefit.
The goal is to bring neighborhoods together and to increase partnerships between neighborhoods and the city through positive improvement projects.
The grant funds are provided by the Redevelopment Commission and the program is administered by the Community Engagement Department.
Improvement projects may include:
- Sidewalks
- Tree Plantings
- Signage
- Landscaping
- Public Art
- Playground or Park
- Equipment
- Special Features (benches, shelters, little library)
- Other Innovative Ideas!
Funding Information
- In 2022, grants of up to $15,000 are available to neighborhood groups.
- If two or more neighborhoods work together on an application and project planning efforts, they can apply for up to $30,000.
Grant Criteria
- Neighborhood Involvement: How did the applicant involve neighborhood residents in the planning and implementation of the project? What efforts did the neighborhood group take to engage neighbors and get input on the project? (neighborhood meetings regarding the project, seeking feedback through surveys, promoting the project in newsletters, flyers, etc.)
- Feasibility and Longevity: How does the project align with current city projects and standards? Is this a seasonal improvement or one that will last several years with little maintenance?
- Neighborhood Investment: Is the neighborhood group leveraging additional funds or volunteer labor and/or time towards the project?
- Community Benefit: Do residents beyond the neighborhood boundaries benefit from this project? Does the project improve health, safety or the sense of community for residents?
Criteria
- Neighborhood-based groups are encouraged to apply.
- Additionally, neighborhoods who have not received a grant in the past may be given priority over those that have received multiple neighborhood grants.
For more information, visit City of Valparaiso.
