Neighborhood Matching Grants

Overview

Neighborhood Matching Grant project

The Neighborhood Matching Grants Program (NMG) awards funds to eligible neighborhood-based organizations to make neighborhoods better places to live, work, and play. The program, created in 1992, has four primary goals:

  • Build neighborhood capacity and participation
  • Allow neighborhoods to self-determine improvement priorities
  • Leverage resident involvement and resources to revitalize and reinvest in low & moderate-income neighborhoods
  • Stimulate the development of partnerships between City and community groups

Neighbors Building Neighborhoods

The heart of the NMG program is the community match portion of the project. Matching city dollars means organizations and partners will pledge volunteer time, in-kind donations or services, and/or cash to match the grant funds they receive.  This helps foster deeper connections between neighbors and strengthens the social fabric within communities.

“I can't say enough how much community involvement has been generated in our neighborhood. Neighbors are more helpful to everyone they see. We had so many neighbors that spent nights on their patios just enjoying dinner with other neighbors and even now walking together around the neighborhood and pet sitting for each other and such. Before our community seemed to just come home, park in the garage and not come out of their houses; this has completely changed. I look forward to the continued gatherings and general overall 'niceness' of everyone who lives here toward each other.” - Townhomes at Carmel Heights

"The benefit of the NMG program is that it extends an opportunity for communities to make improvements that are otherwise unattainable. The results are that residents become more actively involved in the community and a renewed sense of pride and care for the community."
 - Sherbrook HOA

"Our community is forever grateful for this program because without it, we would not have been able to finance the necessary projects needed to improve the quality of life for our residents. As a result of this program, residents have a little more pride in the community and residents are coming together! " - Appletree Village HOA

30th Anniversary

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the City of Charlotte’s Neighborhood Matching Grant program. From playgrounds to gardens to neighborhood branding, community events, safety, and more, this program has provided more than 1,000 grants to community organizations over the years, strengthening social ties among neighbors and between neighborhoods.

NMG Project Opportunities

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. If you need help planning your project or are wondering if your project qualifies, please get in touch with the neighborhood liaison  for your area.

See below for examples of potential projects.

Art & Beautification

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


Community Gardens

  • Community gardens
  • Greenhouses/hoop houses
  • Butterfly gardens
  • Community cookbook
  • Training & Education


Festivals and Special Events

  • Festivals and Special Events project opportunities


Marketing and Branding

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


Neighborhood Clean-Up

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


Organizational Development

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


Programming

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


Property & Curb Appeal Enhancements

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


Public Safety

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


Recreation

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


Resource Conservation

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


Signage

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


 

Dive deeper into this opportunity for your neighborhood with the NMG Program Guidelines(PDF, 2MB)

NMG Frequently Asked Questions(PDF, 106KB)

Who Can Apply

**NMG is currently closed and will not be accepting new applications.**

Neighborhood-based organizations within the program's eligible geography are encouraged to apply, including neighborhood associations, homeowner associations, and neighborhood coalitions.

The eligible geography is based on the Neighborhood Profile Area (NPA) median assessed property value*.

 

Tier I: Median assessed property value up to $104,110

  • Neighborhood Associations and HOAs
    • Can apply for up to $25,000 per application
    • No maximum per year
  • Neighborhood Coalitions
    • Can apply for up to $25,000 per application
    • $25,000 maximum per fiscal year

    Tier II: Median assessed property value between $104,111 to $181,703

  • Neighborhood Associations and HOAs
    • Can apply for up to $10,000 per application
    • No maximum per year
  • Neighborhood Coalitions
    • Can apply for up to $10,000 per application
    • $25,000 maximum per fiscal year

    *Eligibility is updated based on periodic citywide property revaluation; 2023 Mecklenburg County revaluation changes are coming, effective date TBD.