Neighborhood Improvement Grants

Greeley is proud of its great neighbors and neighborhoods. The city created the neighborhood improvement mini grants to help Greeley residents make their neighborhoods attractive, safe, enjoyable, and distinctive.

Is there a project or activity that your neighborhood wants but needs more resources? Review the possibilities below. City staff are available to help develop your project and give application feedback.

Application Deadline: May 1, 2024

Grant Criteria

Every neighborhood is eligible to apply for Neighborhood Improvement Grant assistance. Any proposed project or activity must meet the following criteria.

• The grant will provide an area-wide benefit to the general neighborhood. Ideally, this would encompass an entire neighborhood or subdivision, but can be as small as one block.
• There is demonstrated support for the improvement or activity by a majority of the neighborhood.
• The grant cannot be used to install an improvement that is a developer obligation.
• The project should be completed either in its entirety at once or in well-defined phases shortly after the funding award. No work should have started before obtaining approval and direction from the city.
• The project adds value to the area that would be difficult to accomplish without the funding assistance.
• The project includes a contribution from the local community. This can be with matching funds, in-kind support, volunteer labor, technical assistance, or other forms of community service aimed at improving the area, be it a park or other public space in need of assistance.
• Geographic location and community need will be considered. The program is not intended for commercial or industrial areas.

Funding Options

The city reserves $10,000 for projects under the neighborhood grant program. Funds are limited, so starting early is important.

Two categories of funds are available:

• NEIGHBORHOOD ACTIVITIES
  A maximum of $100 can be requested by a neighborhood in a calendar year to offset the costs related to a neighborhood event such as a block party, clean-up day, home or neighborhood tours, etc.
• PERMANENT IMPROVEMENTS
  A maximum of $2,500 may be requested by a neighborhood in a calendar year to make a permanent physical improvement to the area which will benefit the community and common area of the neighborhood. If your project is asking for funding over multiple years, contact the Neighborhood Resource Office to arrange a meeting before submitting your application.
  

A neighborhood may request one grant from each category in a calendar year.

Grant awards are based upon available funds, competition for the funding, and location.

Eligible Projects and Activities

The following activities and projects are provided as examples…Be creative! If you don’t see your idea listed and think it meets the program criteria, give us a call to see if it can be funded.

A) NEIGHBORHOOD ACTIVITIES

• Block party supplies ($100 gift card to be used for paper products, refreshments, etc.)
• Clean-up crew supplies ($100 gift card for purchase of trash bags, roll off container, refreshments, etc.)
• Special event ($100 gift card to sponsor a Bike-to-Work station in the neighborhood, holiday open house, veteran welcome home, or special event, etc.)

B) PERMANENT IMPROVEMENTS

• walking paths
• entry or area interpretive signs
• landscaping/tree planting (Tree trimming is not an eligible expense)
• fencing
• alley paving
• bike racks
• recycling or trash containers
• blue security light post
• historic property plaques
• benches
• public art
• gazebos, shelter
• traffic calming
• dog waste dispensers
• handicap sidewalks/ramps
• playground equipment
• lights
• bus shelter
• bike path
• community garden
• shade shelter
• newspaper corrals and more.

Ready to Apply?

Application Deadline: May 1, 2024

STEP 1 - Meet with your neighbors to discuss the needs and interests of the neighborhood for an area activity or improvement project and prioritize those interests.

STEP 2 - Required Match Contribution: Identify what resources the neighborhood can contribute to the project (money, in-kind labor, material, other support) or other community volunteer activities area residents might be able to help with to improve the community. If you complete any project work that may count as a match contribution before the project is approved and want it to be included as part of the match, please give proof with your grant application and reach out to the Neighborhood Resource Office.

STEP 3 - If you wish to apply for permanent improvement funds, contact the Neighborhood Services Office to schedule an informal meeting. This will provide an opportunity to discuss your ideas and potential projects.

STEP 4 - Submit a Neighborhood Improvement Grant application.

Every funding request needs a complete Neighborhood Improvement Grant application. It’s recommended that applicants meet with the Neighborhood Resource staff before filling out the application to make sure they meet eligibility criteria and get questions answered.

Please note:

• Each neighborhood can request funding from each mini grant category once a year.
• The neighborhood contact must represent a clearly defined area and have the authority to speak on behalf of the area. Proof of this authority must be provided with the application.
• For projects in the right-of-way, signatures from adjacent property owners are required.

Apply for Neighborhood Activity $100 Gift Card

Apply for Neighborhood Improvement Grant

A free account will need to be created if you do not already have one. Once you apply, a permit number will be given to you.

• Neighborhood Activity Awards: If you have applied for a neighborhood activity gift card, expect to be contacted within 1-2 days for any clarifications. If all the information is complete and criteria met, you’ll receive your event card within 10 business days.
• Permanent Improvements: If you are applying for an improvement grant, your application will be reviewed by the Neighborhood Resource Office. Staff will look for any additional city requirements, like permits or easements, and other technical considerations. They will also explore opportunities for in-kind help from the city to enhance resources or improve the feasibility of the project. Following the city’s review and determinations of the final funding level, the neighborhood resources staff will notify the applicant of the grant award. Once an agreement is signed, the project can start, and the applicant will receive the grant funds on a reimbursement basis.

Neighborhood improvement grant applications are evaluated based on merit until funds are exhausted. The deadline for applications is May 1 each year.

STEP 5 - Once approved, grant funds will be disbursed upon project completion, submittal of required project documentation, and staff approval of project documentation. You may proceed with the work as soon as you have received approval from the Neighborhood Resource Office. No work should have started before obtaining approval and direction from the city.
For more information or assistance, contact the Neighborhood Resource Office at 970-350-9780 or email to nro@greeleygov.com.