Discover how your neighborhood can benefit from new $300,000 empowerment grant opportunities.
Kansas City’s Neighborhood Services Department is happy to announce a third round of funding for the Neighborhood Empowerment Grant. Applications open Dec. 13, 2024, and close Jan. 24, 2025. $300,000 will be available during this application cycle with a maximum of $20,000 per grant request.
The Neighborhood Empowerment Grant program empowers neighborhoods by investing in projects that make Kansas City a more vibrant place to live.
“This program remains a cornerstone for building stronger communities. By supporting public safety strategies, neighborhood identity, and quality-of-life improvements, we continue to prioritize the needs of Kansas City’s residents,” said sponsor Ryana Parks Shaw.
The Neighborhood Empowerment Grant program remains constant in its support to bolster community engagement, enhance neighborhood identity, and promote public safety strategies within Kansas City.
Nearly $870,000 has been awarded to more than 60 neighborhood organizations to beautify, develop and more during the last two rounds.
The Blue Valley Neighborhood Association received a $20,000 grant and used it for direct service costs for their residents – minor home repair, back to school supplies, shoes and clothes for residents in need, etc.
Eligibility Criteria:
The Neighborhood Empowerment Grant application is open to not-for-profit Neighborhood Associations registered (or will partner with an Association registered) with the City of Kansas City and the State of Missouri.
Applicants must provide a certificate of good standing.
Applicants must submit a list of the organization’s board of directors, leadership team, or governing officials.
Please Note: to be eligible for new funding, organizations must have fully used any previous Neighborhood Empowerment Grant funds. Only one Empowerment Grant may remain active at a time.
The Neighborhood Empowerment Grant awards Neighborhood Association projects that prioritize improving neighborhoods and residents lives in the following areas:
Community Engagement: Promoting active participation and involvement of residents in neighborhood initiatives and activities.
Enhancing Neighborhood Identity: Supporting placemaking and public art projects that celebrate each neighborhood’s unique identity and culture.
Public Safety: Funding projects and community action programs to enhance community safety.
Quality of Life Enhancements: Facilitating necessary repairs and upgrades to infrastructure that will improve residents’ safety and well-being.
Neighborhood Development: Strengthening development of neighborhood infrastructure and encouraging capacity building.
Code Violation Remediation: Implementing repairs and other measures that will reduce code violations.
Youth Programs: Programming focused on leadership, education, and engagement, helping youth stay active, build confidence, and achieve their full potential.
In the first round of funding, the Neighborhood Services Department awarded $260k to 26 neighborhood organizations, and in the second round of funding, $607,620 went to 35 neighborhood organizations.
Apply for the Neighborhood Empowerment Grant
The Neighborhood Service Department will host a virtual Lunch and Learn on Jan. 9, 2025, from noon to 1:30 p.m. The link for the virtual session will be available on the City’s website on the day of the event: KCMO.gov/neighborhoods.
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