Neighborhood Matching Grants

​Neighborhood Matching Grants Images

​NMG Project Opportunities

Charlotte’s Neighborhood Matching Grants Program provides matching grant funding to eligible neighborhood based organizations for projects that improve community quality of life. Because each neighborhood is unique, the program offers neighborhoods the opportunity to choose which project is right for them.

Neighborhood Matching Grants projects should be selected through collaboration of neighborhood residents and must provide benefit to the community overall. Project possibilities include but are not limited to:

 Project Opportunities

  • Landscaping 
  • Trail improvements 
  • Murals
  • Benches 
  • Community art 
  • Tree planting 
  • Decorative signal cabinets

  • Community gardens
  • Greenhouses/hoophouses
  • Butterfly gardens
  • Community cookbook
  • Training & education

​Festivals and Special Events project opportunities

  • Logo/brand development
  • Website development
  • Brochures/marketing collateral
  • Neighborhood directory
  • T-shirts, pens, stickers, magnets

  • Curb appeal improvements 
  • Street adoption 
  • Community/vacant lot clean-up 
  • Stream clean-up 
  • Landscaping

  • Community Asset mapping 
  • Membership drives 
  • Printing/mailing 
  • Yard signs (meeting date, yard or volunteer of the month, etc) 
  • Strategic planning 
  • Non-profit registration

  • Nuisance prevention 
  • Cultural programs 
  • Health and wellness 
  • Senior programs 
  • ESL programs 
  • Computer training/Digital Literacy 
  • Little Free Library

  • Infrastructure improvements 
  • Community centers 
  • Mailboxes 
  • Trash receptacles 
  • Dumpster enclosures 
  • Decorative fencing 
  • Curb Appeal improvements

  • Street lights 
  • Traffic Calming 
  • Security fences 
  • Security cameras 
  • Neighborhood Watch group 
  • Crime watch signs 
  • Speed limit signage

  • Park enhancements 
  •  Playground/fitpark equipment 
  • Athletic fields 
  • Trails 
  • Bike racks 
  • Outdoor chess/checkers/games 
  • Stages/performance space

  • Water, energy & waste reduction initiatives/ Recycling campaigns 
  • Community gardens 
  • Rider amenities in areas adjacent to transit stops 
  • Bike racks 
  • Pet/waste receptacles

  • Sign toppers 
  • Neighborhood Identification 
  • Entrance monuments 
  • Way finding signage 
  • Garden signs 
  • Can do signs 
  • Event signage & banners

The City of Charlotte is offering up to $300 to support Little Free Pantries.  Help us to help our neighbors give what they can and take what they need.  Applications will be accepted first come, first served until further notice with a goal of 50 pantries supported.

Considerations

  • The City will provide up to $300 reimbursement to residents, businesses, schools, neighborhoods, churches or non-profits for materials and or supplies to:
    • convert an existing Little Free Library to a Little Free Pantry
    • restock an existing Little Free Pantry, or
    • install a new Little Free Pantry
  • As a result of additional support, this grant opportunity is now available citywide.
  • Applicant commits to:
    • keep the pantry regularly supplied with non-perishable items including pasta, canned or boxed food, personal care products, paper goods, school supplies, etc, for at least 8 weeks. 
    • refrain from adding clothing, chemicals, sharp objects including razors and items that could easily blow out and become litter
    • consider organizing a group of neighbors, friends, colleagues, parishioners, etc to help stock and maintain the pantry
    • hand washing and other best practices when stocking pantries to limit virus transfer
    • place signage promoting that contents are provided free of charge, you're welcome to limit hours of use if appropriate
    • inspect regularly and take appropriate action to ensure the structure and surrounding area remain safe and free from sharp objects and litter
  • New Little Free Pantry installation is permitted outside of the City Public Right-of-Way (ROW) which is generally 5' from the back of the sidewalk, or 10' from the back of street curb. For additional ROW consideration including specific locations contact the Charlotte Department of Transportation (CDOT)
  • Funds will be provided to approved applicants as reimbursement, purchase receipts and registration as a City vendor are required. 
  • Reimbursable expenses include construction materials and labor, non-alcoholic beverages, non-perishable food items, paper goods and school supplies.

The City is offering up to $350 to neighborhood and merchant organizations who are, or seek to Meet Virtually at Present (MVP)! As a result of additional support, this grant opportunity is now available citywide.   

The COVID pandemic is transforming business as previously known and prompting us to define a new normal.  Charlotte's neighborhoods have always been models of resiliency with neighbors supporting one another as first responders, friends and community problem solvers.  Many have continued the work of meaningful engagement and remain connected through virtual meeting platforms.  You are MVPs!

To support your MVP efforts reimbursement grants of up to $350 per organization are currently available for the following services contracted March 1 – November 1, 2020.  Future service contracts are eligible, provided that fees are paid in advance by November 1, 2020. 

  • Virtual meeting or telephone conference service fees including Zoom, WebEx, Microsoft Teams, GoToMeeting, etc. when the account is used to support neighborhood and resident engagement.  Virtual activities may include but aren't limited to neighborhood events, board meetings, community organizing, neighborhood coalition meetings, social events, discussions/educational programs, speakers, project updates, neighbor check-ins, meet & greets and more.
  • Training/technical support for neighborhood board and residents to learn about or improve virtual meeting proficiency. 
  • Promotional materials including yard signs, flyers, postcards, design services, etc to increase virtual meeting participation.

Applications are being accepted now, reimbursement requests must be received by November 1, 2020. Apply Here, or contact Jackie for more information at Jackie.clare@charlottenc.gov or 980-214-3540. 


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​Apply here or contact Jackie Clare at jackie.clare@charlottenc.gov or 704-336-7846 for additional information.

 

To learn more about project possibilities and helpful hints for certain project categories please review the program guidelines. If you need help planning your project or are unsure if your project qualifies, please contact the neighborhood liaison for your area.