The Neighborhood Community Fund is an initiative of Adams County, Colorado, designed to empower local residents and community groups to strengthen their neighborhoods through meaningful projects, events, and initiatives. The fund supports community-led activities that foster connections among neighbors, improve neighborhood aesthetics, promote environmental sustainability, and encourage community engagement and service. It is administered as part of Adams County's broader community development and COVID-19 recovery efforts under the American Rescue Plan Act.
The program prioritizes four key areas: Connection & Belonging, Enhanced Physical Appearance of the Neighborhood, Sustainability & Resiliency, and Community Engagement & Service. Each funding request must align with at least one of these areas. To be eligible, applicants must be residents or property owners in Adams County or must partner with someone who meets these criteria. Proposed initiatives must be scheduled to occur at least six weeks after the application is submitted and cannot include political campaigning, religious activities, improvements to private property, or personal events.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and are reviewed monthly by a committee that meets the fourth Wednesday of each month. Applicants are notified of their status within three business days after the review. Upon approval, funds are disbursed either by check (with a W-9 form) or through material purchases made by the SPARC Team. Projects must be completed within six months, and a post-project evaluation, including photos and feedback, is required within two weeks of completion.
The fund includes four categories: Community Event (up to $400), Neighborhood Experience (up to $800), Capacity Building and Organizing (up to $1,000), and Neighborhood Project (up to $3,000). Applicants must show community support, such as signatures or letters from neighbors, to qualify for larger awards. Additionally, new applicants and projects located in unincorporated areas of Adams County may receive bonus points during evaluation.
Applications are scored across four categories: Community Impact, Promotion of Priority Areas, Community Support, and Project Details. To receive funding, a project must score at least 9 out of 12, with no zeroes in any category. Interested parties can access help from the SPARC Team and are encouraged to review the application questions and guidelines before submitting.
For further assistance, applicants can contact the SPARC Team via email at sparc@adcogov.org or by phone at 800-824-7842. The program operates from the Adams County Government Center in Brighton, Colorado, and additional details are available at sparc.adcogov.org/resilient-neighborhoods.
