The City of Valparaiso is inviting neighborhoods to submit applications for the annual Neighborhood Improvement Grant program, announced Maggie Clifton, Valparaiso’s Community Engagement Director. Guidelines have been updated for 2025, increasing the maximum amount from $15,000 to $20,000. Applications for the upcoming grant cycle will be due on March 1, 2025, with grant recipients announced by March 15, 2025.
“The Neighborhood Improvement Grant program has succeeded in funding 120 projects since we introduced the program in 2018,” said Clifton. “The City is delighted to lead this program which unites neighborhoods and inspires positive projects. With matching funds, these grants have resulted in more than $1.15 million in neighborhood improvements over the past six years,” she said.
Neighborhood Improvement Grants help neighbors come together for common goals. Previous projects awarded Neighborhood Improvement Grants have included:
- Community spaces, like bus stop benches, play spaces and pavilions for gathering
- Neighborhood signage/branding that instills unity and a sense of pride
- Public art displays that add unique character by representing the neighborhood
- Physical improvements, like planting trees or enhancing neighborhood park equipment
Neighborhoods may submit applications for up to $20,000 in qualified funding through the Neighborhood Improvement Grant. In addition, two or more neighborhoods can collaborate on projects and apply for up to $30,000 collectively. The Neighborhood Improvement Grant program is funded by the Valparaiso Redevelopment Commission and administered by the Community Engagement Department. A grant review committee assists in the selection process.
The grant program no longer accepts sidewalk maintenance or other HOA maintenance-related projects. If your neighborhood has a specific sidewalk concern, please report it at valpo.us using Valpo Voice.
2025 Applications are due March 1, 2025. Virtual Info Session on September 9. A virtual information session will be on September 9, 2024 at 5:00 pm via Zoom. Participants may access the online link at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88998552789.
Guidelines and application materials are available on the Community Engagement page at Valpo.us.. For questions or guidance, contact Community Engagement Director Maggie Clifton at MClifton@valpo.us or at City Hall, 219-462-1161.
