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

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 
  
  

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*.

Geography Area I: Median assessed property value up to $$310,200

Geography Area II: Median assessed property value between $310,201 to $536,150

• Neighborhood Associations, HOAs, and Resident Orgs in Rental Communities
  • Can apply for up to $25,000 per application
  • No maximum per calendar year
• Neighborhood Coalitions and CDCs
  • Can apply for up to $25,000 per application
  • $25,000 maximum per calendar year

Eligibility changes resulting from the 2023 Mecklenburg County Property Revaluation became effective as of the September 2025 grant cycle.   

Note: Applications from organizations in Geography Area 1 will receive additional points during scoring due to the higher level of demonstrated need in that area.

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.

• Monday August 4th 10:30am-12:30pm (IN PERSON) Hickory Grove Library (5935 Hickory Grove Road)
• Tuesday August 5th 10:30am-12:30pm (ZOOM)
• Thursday August 7th 10:30am-12:30pm (ZOOM)
• Wednesday August 13th 5-7pm (ZOOM)
• Friday August 15th 9:30am-11:30am (ZOOM)
• Tuesday August 19th 10:30am-12:30pm (IN PERSON) South Blvd. Library (4429 South Blvd.)

Virtual workshops will be presented using the Zoom online meeting platform. Access instructions will be provided upon registration.

Upcoming Application Deadlines 

• September 15, 2025 

Please get in touch with Madison Watson at madison.watson@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 Program Guidelines
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

Corridors of Opportunity: National Night Out Mini-Grant

Neighborhood organizations within the City of Charlotte’s Corridors of Opportunity can apply for up to $500 in reimbursement for eligible expenses related to their 2025 National Night Out events.

Key Details:

• Applications are open until Monday, August 4, 2025, at 12 PM or until funds run out.
• Eligible expenses include signage, outreach, food, event promotion, and more.
• Reimbursements require submission of receipts by October 1, 2025.
• This grant opportunity is limited to one application per organization and can be concurrent with other grants including NMG and the 2025 Boost grants. (Unique receipts must be submitted for each grant, no duplicates will be accepted.)

Eligibility:

Your organization must be located within Charlotte’s Corridors of Opportunity. Check your eligibility.

For more info and to apply, login or create an account on the grants portal. Apply early as funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis!

Would you like Corridors of Opportunity materials or partner presence at your event? Let us know on your application!

Other opportunities will be posted here when available. If you wish to receive future funding notifications by email, please register for the Neighborhood Organization Contact List.