Neighborhood Improvement Fund
Neighborhood Improvement Funds (NIF) provide money for neighborhood projects that improve the quality of life. These grants are available only to neighborhood-based community groups active with Longmont’s Neighborhood Group Leaders Association (NGLA).*
* Active NGLA status requires a current registration and participation in at least seven NGLA meetings in the last twelve months. Visit the NGLA webpage.
The base NIP grant can provide up to $2,000 for improvement projects.
Additional funds of up to $12,000 may be available for projects that focus on:
- Sustainability
- Water efficiency
- Electrification
Eligible Projects
Examples of base NIP grant project typically cover “quality of life” issues, including:
- Neighborhood identity and branding
- Landscaping and beautification
- Transportation and public safety
- Placemaking and community infrastructure
Ineligible Projects
Projects are not eligible if they:
- Take place outside Longmont city limits
- Include the purchase of motor vehicles, real property, alcohol or mobile phones
- Have already started or been completed
- Benefit individuals rather than the entire neighborhood
- Request salaries or operating expenses
- Hire individuals or companies that duplicate City services
- Support social, political or fraternal organizations
- Pay for field trips, admissions, cash prizes, gift cards, or for incomplete projects without secured funding
Project Examples and Resources
Find examples, ideas and resources in the Project Library.
Funding Schedule
You can apply at any time during the year. City staff will review and respond to applications within 60 days of receiving it.
Evaluation Process
A review committee will evaluate applications. The committee includes:
- Five voting community members
- Three non-voting representatives from the City of Longmont and the Longmont Community Foundation
What the Committee Looks For
The committee values creative, holistic projects that are easily repeated. In each they look for the following:
- Application quality (concept, plan, budget, justification)
- Public benefit and sustainability
- Community participation and contribution
- Need for the project and its lasting value
Location Details
- Project address or location
- Property ownership information
- Electricity details (who will pay, if needed)
Community Contacts
- Neighborhood name
- Project manager (name, email phone and address) – this is the main contact
- Project team members (names, roles and contact information)
Project Details
- Project title, statement, and description
- Grant request and total project cost
- Indicate if the project occurs once or is ongoing
- How the community will participate
- Why the project is needed
Budget and Implementation
- Community contribution (donated money, time, materials, services)
- Budget summary
- Required permits or approvals
- Other City departments or resources needed (and whether you’ve contacted them)
- Payment type (reimbursement, direct payment, both, other)
You may qualify for up to $10,000 in extra funding for projects that support:
- Sustainability (brief details)
- Water efficiency (brief details)
- Electrification (brief details)
If you receive funding:
- You have three months to complete your project (unless you receive an approved extension)
- Once finished, you have two weeks to submit your payment request
Your payment request must include:
- A final project report (must show completion)
- Dated and itemized receipts or invoices
- A short community celebration video
To apply, contact NGLA staff at ngla@longmontcolorado.gov or 303-651-8556.
