Frederick J. Felton Neighborhood Matching Grant Program

The Frederick J. Felton Neighborhood Matching Grant Program, administered by the City of Gaithersburg, Maryland, is designed to encourage community improvement initiatives by offering financial support through matching grants. Established as a local government initiative, the program aims to empower neighborhood organizations—including homeowner associations, condominium associations, and citizen associations—to undertake projects that enhance the physical and social environment of their communities. The grant is structured as a dollar-for-dollar match, meaning the applicant must contribute an equal amount of funding or in-kind resources. The program has a dual-tier structure: a standard matching grant capped at $5,000 per fiscal year, and an Equity Enhancement subprogram that offers up to 75% matching funds for communities located in designated Equity Emphasis Areas (EEAs). The scope of funding encompasses a wide range of eligible activities focused on new community projects. These include, but are not limited to, installing or upgrading lighting, landscaping, entrance features, signage, playground equipment, and conducting neighborhood events. Additionally, grants may cover the cost of consulting or engineering studies for major improvements or community-building programs. However, funding is not available for projects that have already commenced prior to the start of the grant performance period, nor for annual plantings, routine maintenance, or events such as fundraisers. Specific exclusions include watering of plants, tree removal unless hazard-related under the Equity Enhancement subprogram, and any retroactive reimbursements for completed work. The Equity Enhancement subprogram is tailored for communities in EEAs, which are identified based on demographic and socioeconomic criteria by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. These communities are eligible for up to 75% in matching funds and may use the grants for one-time repairs and maintenance projects, such as sidewalk repairs, fencing, hazardous tree removal, light fixtures, drainage, and paving. Applications for this subprogram must be submitted through the same standard form, with applicants required to indicate their EEA status. These grants aim to enable communities to address pressing infrastructure issues with the goal of achieving sustainable upkeep thereafter. Applications are accepted annually and must be submitted electronically via the City’s website between April 1 and May 13. All project work must occur within the performance period of July 1 through May 31 of the following year. Any project that begins before July 1 or is completed after May 31 will not be reimbursed. Furthermore, applications are reviewed competitively by a team composed of representatives from the City Manager’s Office, Community, Neighborhood & Housing Services, and the Department of Public Works. Priority is given to neighborhoods that have received less than $10,000 in matching grants in the past two fiscal years, and to projects that enhance public safety in common ownership communities. The application process requires submitting a completed form along with relevant documentation through the City’s web portal. For incorporated associations with a tax ID, a W-9 form must also be submitted. Upon completion of an approved project, grantees are required to provide itemized invoices or receipts that align with the application’s scope of work. Funds are disbursed on a reimbursement basis, and proof of payment must be provided by June 10 following the performance period. Contracts may be signed in advance, provided they include language stating that work will not begin prior to the July 1 start date. Evaluation of proposals is based on the public benefit offered, previous funding history, and alignment with program goals. Approved grants are awarded in July, marking the beginning of the performance period. The program is recurring annually, with the next application cycle expected to open in April 2027. Interested applicants are advised to consult the Equity Emphasis Area map on the City’s website and retain the Resource Guide for frequent reference. For more information, applicants may contact City Hall by phone at 301-258-6300 or via email at [email protected].

Do not begin work before July 1. Submit receipts by June 10.