City of Madison Neighborhood Grants

The 2026 Neighborhood Grant Program, administered by the City of Madison Planning Division, is designed to empower residents and local groups to initiate projects that enhance neighborhoods through beautification, community gathering spaces, and leadership development. This program offers financial support for grassroots initiatives that seek to improve quality of life and foster community engagement across Madison. With a total anticipated allocation of $25,000 in 2026, the grant program emphasizes neighbor-driven creativity, collaboration, and pride in civic spaces and activities. Projects eligible for funding include those focused on community enhancement or leadership and capacity-building. Successful proposals will aim to engage new and diverse communities, build or reinforce neighborhood bonds, and increase community influence in public decisions. All proposed projects must be ready to launch within one to three months of award notification and must be accessible, free, and open to the public. Completion of the funded projects is expected by December 1, 2026. Applicants can include small groups of five or more residents, neighborhood organizations, planning councils, nonprofit institutions, centers of worship, and business associations involved in community-building or civic engagement. Importantly, these groups must serve a neighborhood or defined geographic area within Madison. Fiscal sponsorship is allowed for applicants who are not taxable entities, and the City offers assistance in identifying such sponsors when needed. Groups not using a fiscal agent must obtain an EIN or TIN to qualify. The City retains full discretion over eligibility and compliance with guidelines. Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. on February 10, 2026. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their project ideas and eligibility with Planning Division staff before applying—though this step is not mandatory for submission. Informational workshops will be held in January, and projects must also be discussed with the relevant alderperson. There are multiple application formats available, including an online form, PDF download, or a 10-minute video submission uploaded to YouTube and emailed to the program contact. Completed applications should be submitted via email or delivered to the Planning Division at 215 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Madison, WI. Applications will be evaluated by the Planning Division Staff Review Team using a scoring system based on project scope, creativity, readiness, and alignment with city plans and policies. Up to 50 points are awarded for quality and feasibility, 25 points for anticipated community benefit and inclusivity, and 15 points for alignment with adopted neighborhood plans and municipal guidelines. Points are also given for first-time applicants, partnerships, and broad community involvement. Upon award, recipients must sign a contract with the City by June 1, 2026. The grant will be disbursed in two stages: 50% upon contract execution and the remainder upon proof of expenditures and deliverables. A final report, including at least three digital photos and an evaluation, is due no later than January 31, 2027. The City may use submitted images for promotional purposes. Notably, the grant excludes costs such as ongoing operations, facility rental, direct services, and routine maintenance—though limited use for food and entertainment is allowed for capacity-building efforts.

Projects should include diverse participation, strong neighborhood engagement, and well-defined plans.