The Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program is an initiative by the City of Olathe aimed at empowering residents to enhance and revitalize their neighborhoods. This grant program is part of the Healthy Neighborhood Initiative (HNI), and it offers funding through two main categories: the Neighborhood Community Engagement Grant and the Neighborhood Beautification & Improvement Grant. The program was updated in April 2022 and continues to support community-driven projects that strengthen neighborhood connections and improve living conditions.
The Neighborhood Community Engagement Grant provides up to $2,000 for activities that promote community building and resident interaction. Eligible activities include neighborhood block parties, social events, sports leagues, and community training sessions such as health, CPR, or job readiness workshops. The goal of this grant is to foster communication, engagement, and unity within neighborhoods.
The Neighborhood Beautification & Improvement Grant offers up to $4,000 for physical improvement projects that enhance the safety and quality of life in neighborhoods. Eligible projects range from community gardens and sidewalk repairs to landscaping and neighborhood identity signage. These projects aim to create sustainable and aesthetically pleasing environments for residents.
To apply, residents must complete the Neighborhood Grant Application, which can be found on the City of Olathe’s Healthy Neighborhoods website. The application requires a description of the proposed project, a timeline, a detailed budget (including vendor bids for improvement projects), and a plan for involving neighborhood volunteers. Projects must benefit the entire neighborhood, be achievable within one year, and must be registered with the city’s Neighborhood Registration Program.
Grant applications are reviewed and awarded quarterly, and the funds must be used within one year from the award date. Voluntary neighborhood organizations can apply once per year, while formal homeowner associations (HOAs) are eligible every two years. Ineligible projects include land purchases, ongoing operational expenses such as rent, and projects that primarily benefit individual households.
Recipients are required to submit a final report within one year, which should include photos and a summary of the project’s impact on the neighborhood. Failure to submit the report may affect future grant eligibility. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply throughout the year, with specific quarterly deadlines listed on the program’s website. For additional information or questions, residents can contact the City of Olathe Planning Division.
