Neighborhood Improvement Fund – FAQs
- Neighborhood-Based Community Groups (NBCG) that have achieved ‘active’ status with NGLA. *Eligible groups may apply multiple times per year.
- Applications are accepted anytime with specific review deadlines in 2025 on January 2, March 6, May 1, July 3, and September 4.
- Requests are reviewed and awarded the month following the original applications.
- Your neighborhood may apply more than once a year.
- NIP Neighborhood Enhancement Projects (NEP): $6,000 with NLS*
* Amount requires qualifying Neighborhood Leadership Series (NLS) training participation in last 12 months.
- Quality of Life Grant: Neighborhood Identity & Branding, Landscaping & Beautification, Transportation & Public Safety, Placemaking & Community infrastructure
- *Review guidelines with staff and receive approval to submit an application (email below)
- Complete the application: https://bit.ly/NGLAGrantApp must be completed in one session
- Documents submitted with application: Budget, map, property ownership approval, maintenance plan, bids/price comparisons (+ preference letter), supplemental material
- Overall Application: concept, planning, budget, justification, quality
- Public Benefit: The project furthers one of four general quality of life public benefits (NEP) at the neighborhood scale.
- Community Participation: Broad community involvement or support
- Community Contribution: At least 10% of the project cost, aim for 25% to 50%. Options: Financial, Volunteer labor, Donated professional services, Donated materials, and Volunteer management/planning hours (<50). Typically a combination.
- Longevity: Will the project last into the future, clear maintenance plan.
- Need: Is this funding necessary for the project to occur.
- Creativity: A unique, inventive, or inspirational project or approach
- Replicability: Can other neighborhoods replicate the project
- NIP Neighborhood Enhancement Projects (NEP) are awarded by the NIP Committee
- Meet with staff, then complete the project within three months of award notification (extensions may be approved as part of project requirements or with extenuating circumstances)
- Submit payment request with acceptable proof of payment (dated receipt/invoice), final report, and pictures or a community celebration video (recommended)
