Service and Engagement Grant

The City of Montgomery’s Service and Engagement Grant is a municipally administered funding program designed to support innovative community projects that directly benefit and engage the residents of Montgomery. As a local government entity, the City of Montgomery operates with the mission of “Working together to strengthen our premier community,” and this grant serves as a formal mechanism to partner with local organizations to further that objective. Through the Service and Engagement Grant, the city aims to provide equitable and transparent support for community-driven efforts that promote service, foster connection, and improve quality of life within its municipal boundaries. This grant supports projects that are both creative and community-oriented, with a focus on addressing identifiable local issues while leveraging existing community assets. Projects funded under this program must present a clearly defined and measurable outcome, ensuring accountability and effectiveness. Eligible activities may include neighborhood initiatives, public events, educational efforts, and wellness programming focused on themes such as mental health, nutrition, active living, and overall community well-being. The City prioritizes initiatives that increase resident participation in neighborhood or civic life, and encourages visibility of funded projects to enhance community awareness and pride. The Service and Engagement Grant is specifically intended for direct project costs rather than general operating expenses. All proposed projects must serve the Montgomery community directly, and applicants are expected to acknowledge and promote the City’s role in supporting their work. Grantees are further encouraged to disseminate information about their activities to foster broader community engagement and demonstrate the value of the grant program. Applicants must be not-for-profit organizations, civic or religious institutions, neighborhood associations, or educational organizations that operate within and serve the Montgomery area. Organizations that engage in discriminatory practices based on race, creed, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, or veteran status are ineligible. Additionally, the grant does not fund commercial ventures or charitable activities not directly tied to the Montgomery community. The application deadline for the 2026 grant cycle is March 1, 2026. All applications must be submitted by midnight on this date. Awards will be announced by April 30, 2026. The program offers a maximum award of $2,500 per grant cycle. All applications undergo review by City Staff and final approval by the Montgomery City Council. Any unspent or residual funds must be returned to the City in accordance with grant guidelines. While the Service and Engagement Grant is offered on a recurring annual basis, its continuation is subject to the availability of municipal funding and may be altered or suspended due to economic considerations or Council decisions aligned with the adopted city budget. Organizations interested in applying should plan in advance and ensure their proposals align with the grant’s objectives and eligibility requirements. For inquiries, applicants may contact Matthew Vanderhorst at the City of Montgomery by phone at 513-792-8323 or via email at [email protected].