Fortify is a leadership development program for developing, launching, and relaunching neighborhood associations who want to take their efforts to the next level!
Donor Name: City of Fort Wayne
State: Indiana
City: Fort Wayne
Type of Grant: Program
Deadline: 01/31/2026
Size of the Grant: Not Available
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The FORT-ify Neighborhood Accelerator designed by the City of Fort Wayne’s Department of Neighborhoods for neighborhood leaders who want to take their efforts to the next level by 1) building their knowledge and skillsets in key areas, 2) obtaining access to mentoring and support from City staff, and 3) working alongside other neighborhood associations.
The key areas include:
- Community Listening & Asset Based Approaches
- Governance and Succession
- Civic Engagement
- Fundraising & Grant Writing.
Each Neighborhood Association enrolled from the 2026 Forti-fy cohort will:
- Obtain printed and digital copies of the Quick Action Plan (QAP) they create with City staff
- Obtain a new association logo
- Be funded to host an end of program block party/ community engagement session for their neighborhood in August
- Be eligible to apply for $5,500+ in funding to implement one or more projects from their QAP
- Meet local elected officials
- Have a member of their FORT-ify team speak publicly at local events
- Have access to 1:1 coaching with city staff for 12 month
- Build relationships with other local neighborhood associations
Eligibility Criteria
FORT-ify is open to resident-led Neighborhood Associations registered on the Fort Wayne Neighborhoods.
For more information, visit City of Fort Wayne.
