Neighborhood Investment Program

The City of Shreveport, through its Department of Community Development, is offering funding under the Neighborhood Investment Program (NIP) for 2025. The NIP was established in 2003 and launched in 2004 as a pilot program to empower neighborhood-based organizations to take an active role in improving and maintaining their communities. This initiative supports local organizations in developing projects that preserve neighborhood character, foster civic engagement, and enhance quality of life. NIP has become a vital part of Shreveport’s revitalization strategy by encouraging grassroots collaboration and resident leadership. The program is designed exclusively for neighborhood-based organizations located within the city limits of Shreveport. Eligible organizations must have existed for at least one year, maintain at least nine active members residing in the neighborhood, and have conducted at least two neighborhood meetings during the prior calendar year. Seventy-five percent of membership must be residents of the neighborhood where projects are proposed. Faith-based or educational institutions may only apply in partnership with a qualifying neighborhood-based organization. Ineligible applicants include individuals, for-profit entities, political groups, schools, commercial businesses, and government agencies. Funding ranges from $3,500 to $7,500 depending on organizational capacity and project development phase. Phase I grants of up to $3,500 are available for groups with at least one year of operation. Phase II awards of up to $7,000 are restricted to organizations with nonprofit 501(c)(3) status. Phase III awards of up to $7,500 are limited to organizations with two years of existence and an IRS 501(c)(3) designation. The City reserves the right to adjust award amounts and funding allocations based on available resources. Each application must include at least one physical neighborhood improvement project. Examples include community gardens, graffiti removal, playground improvements, neighborhood cleanup, gateway signage, lighting, security systems, benches, landscaping, or small pocket parks. Community engagement and outreach activities, such as neighborhood newsletters, informational meetings, or events, may also be included but cannot be the sole focus. Equipment purchases are capped at $500 and all funded projects must demonstrate visible public benefit, compliance with zoning and preservation codes, and measurable outcomes to be completed by the end of the funding period. Ineligible uses include administrative costs, private property improvements without public benefit, political activities, alcohol, prizes, school supplies, summer camps, and various non-program-related expenses. The submission deadline for 2025 applications is October 17, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. CST. Applicants may submit electronically by email or via hand delivery to the Department of Community Development office at 415 Texas Street, Suite 102 in Shreveport. Only one application per organization is allowed. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. A virtual workshop is scheduled for September 25, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. CST via Microsoft Teams. While not mandatory, applicants are strongly encouraged to attend and will be responsible for information provided. During the application period, communications with City officials outside of designated channels are prohibited under the Cone of Silence provision. Applications will be evaluated through a scoring process with a maximum of 100 points. The criteria include strength of proposed project and activities, organizational background and capacity, neighborhood involvement, community need and performance measures, and the feasibility of the financial plan. A minimum score of 75 points is required for funding consideration. Awards are contingent upon compliance with City policies, submission of required insurance coverage naming the City as an additional insured, and execution of a formal funding agreement. Insurance requirements are detailed in program attachments. Applicants with unresolved legal or financial issues, outstanding obligations to the City, or incomplete past contracts are ineligible. Required attachments include proof of membership composition, meeting certifications, nonprofit designation if applicable, proof of good standing with the Louisiana Secretary of State, financial statements, authorizing resolutions, vendor application, and a W-9 form. The Department of Community Development will monitor compliance with all requirements, and successful organizations will be expected to sustain and maintain the outcomes of funded projects beyond the grant period. This competitive grant is intended to build capacity among neighborhood groups, promote collaboration, and enhance civic pride through grassroots-driven improvement projects.

Ensure proposal includes at least one physical project; avoid ineligible costs; demonstrate neighborhood participation and 75% resident membership; emphasize measurable community outcomes