The Neighborhood Vibrancy Grant

The Neighborhood Vibrancy Grant is a community-focused funding initiative administered by the City of Fishers, Indiana, through its Community and Economic Development Department. This program supports neighborhood-level enhancements that contribute to beautification, sustainability, and community engagement. The grant encourages creative, high-impact projects that increase the vibrancy of Fishers’ neighborhoods by supporting design, construction, or installation work that visibly improves shared spaces. This initiative aligns with the city’s broader vision of fostering a smart, entrepreneurial, and connected community. The Neighborhood Vibrancy Grant is structured as a competitive matching grant. The City will fund up to 80% of a project’s cost, not to exceed $25,000, with applicants required to contribute a minimum of 20% of the total cost. While applications are accepted on a rolling basis, funding is disbursed quarterly and available only until the annual allocation is exhausted. Due to limited funding, the city urges applicants to submit during the initial window each year for the best chance of approval. All projects must be completed within one year of the application window. Eligible applicants include homeowner’s associations and neighborhood groups located within the Fishers city limits. Funding is restricted to projects involving physical improvements—such as planting, building, or installations—and will not be awarded for routine maintenance or recurring expenses. Projects located within the public right-of-way are subject to additional review. Preferred project types include environmental initiatives like native plant conversions, wildlife habitats, and rain gardens, as well as neighborhood enhancements such as trail improvements, park fixtures, community gardens, and pedestrian safety features. Applications are reviewed by the Neighborhood Vibrancy Committee, which provides funding recommendations to the Board of Public Works. Evaluation criteria include project visibility, innovation, beautification impact, sustainability, volunteer involvement, cost effectiveness, and whether the neighborhood has received prior funding. Priority consideration is also given to neighborhoods with reserve studies and those not awarded in the past three years. To apply, groups must submit a complete online application that includes a location map, images of existing conditions, proposed plans, a detailed itemized budget, cost verification, HOA registration (if applicable), and a planting plan using native species compliant with the City’s Urban Forestry Program. Projects must be completed within one year, and awardees must submit a final report detailing the project’s outcomes, budget reconciliation, and photos. For the 2026 cycle, applications are accepted from November 3, 2025, through January 23, 2026. Reviews and awards occur in the first quarter of 2026, with funding distributed within 30 days of Board approval. Interested applicants may contact Ross Hilleary at hillearyr@fishersin.gov or the City Planning Department at planning@fishersin.gov or 317.595.3155 for further guidance.

Focus on projects that are highly visible, beautify the area, demonstrate sustainability, and include local volunteer support. Avoid short-term or maintenance-only proposals.