Neighborhood Matching Grants

Overview

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

30^th 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.

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

NMG Frequently Asked Questions(PDF, 106KB)

Who Can Apply

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. 

   

Pre-Application Workshops

Pre-Application workshops will help you think through project ideas, provide instructions and tips for submitting a competitive grant application, and tell you what to expect during the application and project implementation processes. Attendance at a workshop is required prior to applying for a grant.

Pre-Application workshops for the June 1, 2024 application cycle have ended. Watch the recorded version here.

• Overview of Eligibility and Program Requirements(PPTX, 23MB)
• Tips for Submitting a Competitive Application(PPTX, 29MB)
• Required Documents, What Comes Next, and Project Ideas(PPTX, 29MB)

Next Application Deadline

• June 1, 2024

Please get in touch with Madison Meade at madison.meade@charlottenc.gov or 980-416-7035 if you have any questions or need assistance.

How To Apply

1. Determine your eligibility for the program.
2. Attend a pre-application workshop.
3. Review the NMG Guidelines(PDF, 2MB)
4. Fill out your application using the online grant application*

*Documents you will need to complete your application:

• NMG Contribution Template
• NMG Budget Template
• Volunteer Pledge Sheet 
• Volunteer Sign-In Sheet
• Volunteer Hours Tracking Sheet (No Physical Signatures)

All documents are available within the grant application. Samples may be viewed in the program guidelines, appendix B and C.

*Organizations unable to complete the online application can call 704-336-4594 for assistance.

Community Grant Opportunities

Neighborhood BOOST Grant Opportunity - Up to $250

The BOOST grant offers neighborhood organizations located within the City of Charlotte up to $250 reimbursement for expenses associated with neighborhood community building, marketing communications and/or community events.

Neighborhood groups do not have to be in the Neighborhood Matching Grant (NMG) eligible geography to apply, however they must meet (or be working towards) the organization definitions outlined in the NMG program guidelines. 

Grant will be open through June 24, 2024 or until funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.

Eligible Expenses

Reimbursable expenses include, but are not limited to:

• Yard and banner signs, mailers, and collateral
• Diversity and inclusion efforts including canvassing and translation services
• Support for community events (including food and non-alcoholic beverages, promotion, space rental fees, etc):
  • Community meetings & workshops
  • Back to school events
  • Reunions
  • Holiday parties
  • National Night Out events
  • And more! Contact jackie.clare@charlottenc.gov to confirm eligibility for projects not listed above.

Considerations

The City will provide up to $250 reimbursement per neighborhood organization, merchant association or coalition for eligible items paid between June 10, 2024 – January 6, 2025. Grant application must be approved prior to any expenses being made by the organization. 

Neighborhood groups must meet (or be working towards) the organization definitions outlined in the NMG program guidelines. 

Funds must be used for neighborhood/nonprofit purposes.

• BOOST Grants will be awarded on a first come first considered basis, with priority given to achieving geographic distribution until funds are exhausted.
• BOOST Grants are limited to one application per organization and can be concurrent with other grants.
• A final summary including number of attendees and event photos or description and photos of collateral materials purchased is required for final reimbursement.
• Events funded solely through BOOST may contribute toward Neighborhood Matching Grants (NMG) volunteer hours for open grants with contracts signed by December 1, 2024, but do not count against the NMG festival funding limitation of two event requests per neighborhood or event (if applicable).
• Multiple events may be funded within one application, with a maximum request of $250.
• Grant funds aren’t awarded in advance; funds are released as reimbursement via the submission of receipts for approved items.
• Applicants are encouraged to be creative and inclusive to inspire participation from a diverse audience.
• Organizations must be located with the City of Charlotte and have a primary point of contact registered on the Neighborhood Organization Contact List.
• Reimbursement will require City vendor registration and proof of payment via paid receipt. Vendor registration instructions will be sent upon grant approval.
• Reimbursement requests must be submitted by January 20, 2025 – all receipts for reimbursement must be submitted at one time.

Apply Now or contact jackie.clare@charlottenc.gov with questions.