Neighborhood Improvement Grants

The 2026 Neighborhood Improvement Grant is a municipal funding initiative established by the City of Fort Wayne to strengthen neighborhood vitality and community engagement. Administered by the Department of Neighborhoods, this grant program provides financial assistance to eligible neighborhood associations to support projects that enhance the quality of life within their defined boundaries. Each selected association may apply for up to $5,000 to implement a neighborhood improvement project. Additionally, for the 2026 cycle, the City has partnered with Arts United to provide matching grants to three associations specifically for public art projects, increasing the potential funding for those projects to $10,000. The program emphasizes community-driven development by requiring all applicants to demonstrate strong neighborhood engagement. Projects must be supported and endorsed by residents, with evidence of participation in planning and implementation. Eligible projects fall into four categories: Public Art Projects, Community Living Improvement Projects, Eco-Friendly Improvement Projects, and Neighborhood Identity Projects. Ineligible uses include routine maintenance, food, entertainment, operating expenses, and other non-project-specific costs. Any proposed purchase of movable assets must be justified with long-term storage and usage plans. The application and evaluation process is designed to reward comprehensive, thoughtful proposals. Applications must be complete and include a detailed scope of work, timeline, and itemized budget supported by at least three quotes for each project item. A maximum of four contractors or vendors and four suppliers may be included. The review process includes a point system and benchmarks that assess neighborhood participation, innovation, partnership development, project feasibility, and measurable impact. Projects must achieve substantial completion by September 11, 2026. Associations must be registered with the City’s Department of Neighborhoods and must be located entirely within the Fort Wayne city limits to be eligible. All applications are subject to public records laws, and awarded projects must maintain communication with the grant administrator. Projects cannot begin prior to formal execution of the grant agreement. Additionally, any required permits or approvals from municipal departments or private entities must be secured in advance. The program includes workshops to assist applicants, and the full application process is hosted via Submittable. The application portal opens on January 20, 2026, and closes on March 13, 2026. Grant awards are expected to be announced on April 13, followed by a grant agreement deadline of May 8. Project reports, completion milestones, and post-project surveys follow throughout the remainder of the year, with the final deadline for the program survey report on December 11, 2026. For assistance, applicants may contact Holly Muñoz, Neighborhood Resource and Engagement Coordinator, via email at [email protected] or by phone at 260-427-2856. Full guidelines and requirements are available in the official program PDF.

Attend grant workshops to strengthen your application. Engage neighborhood residents early and include their input and letters of support.