Placemaking Grant Program

The Placemaking Grant program is a community-building initiative that supports quick-wins, and transformative projects throughout the city. These small-scale placemaking projects enhance community vibrancy, safety, and identity through:

Activation of leftover and underutilized spaces
Streetscape improvements
Art and beautification efforts
Creation of community gathering spaces

Since 2019, this grant has provided over one million dollars of direct investment into Charlotte neighborhoods. It is an extension of the City's Placemaking Hub, which provides toolkits to inspire and guide placemaking efforts. Together, the Hub and the Grant allow neighborhoods, individuals, and businesses to define the character and identity of their communities through community-driven projects with the support of the City of Charlotte Urban Design Center staff.

What is Placemaking?

Placemaking prioritizes the human experience through the design and activation of public spaces. Projects enhance the vibrancy and social culture of underused spaces, transforming them into places that serve the needs and wants of the adjacent communities. The Charlotte Urban Design Center sees placemaking as a collaborative process to better connect community members to the spaces and people around them.

Do you have a specific project idea to address an issue or opportunity in your neighborhood? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions below to learn more about project funding and grant application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Types of Placemaking Projects Can Receive Funding?

Wall Murals
Street Furniture
Parklets
Bike Parking
Playscapes
Sidewalk Dining
Pop-up Plaza / Park
Street & Sidewalk Murals
Programming and Events
Bus Stop Improvements
Green Infrastructure
Community Agriculture
Signal Cabinet Wraps

Thinking about something different? We love new ideas! Other projects will be considered.

Got a space with potential, but not sure what to do with it? We offer a Technical Assistance Placemaking Grant where UDC staff lead a community workshop to help the neighborhood collaborate on project ideas.

Who Can Apply for a Placemaking Grant?

Neighborhood and homeowners' associations
Community organizations
Businesses or merchant organizations
Individuals with project teams

Applicant groups must be significantly composed of people who live within the city of Charlotte limits.

If selected, the applicant must be able to meet the City of Charlotte vendor requirements.

How Do I Apply for a Placemaking Grant?

The 2026 application period will open in mid-March. Note that all applications require a letter of support from the community organization where the project is located at the time of submission. Start gathering your materials early!

Stay in Touch

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