Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program

The Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program is an initiative designed to catalyze resident-driven change in small cities and towns across the United States. Administered by Community Heart & Soul, a national nonprofit, the program provides a $10,000 seed grant to help communities implement the Community Heart & Soul model. This model encourages inclusive, grassroots community engagement that informs planning, decision-making, and local investment. The funder emphasizes the importance of civic participation and long-term sustainability through a proven framework that empowers residents and municipal leaders to work together. The grant targets municipalities with populations under 30,000, including federally recognized Tribal governments and towns in U.S. territories. The program supports early adopters of the Community Heart & Soul model and is particularly intended for communities that have not yet begun implementation. Applicants must demonstrate municipal support, typically through a formal resolution, and are required to provide a 1:1 cash match of $10,000. Matching contributions can come from municipal budgets, grants, or donations, but in-kind support does not qualify. Eligible applicants include local governments, 501(c)(3) public charities, and informal resident-led groups with a qualifying fiscal sponsor. All fiscal sponsors must hold 501(c)(3) status, accept full responsibility for the grant, and oversee the project in partnership with the local group. Upon approval, grantees must sign a Grant Agreement outlining fund usage, reporting responsibilities, and publicity guidelines. Funds will only be disbursed once all municipal support documentation is submitted. Grantees must submit an interim report within six months of fund receipt and a final report one year after disbursement. Additionally, applicants are required to contract with a Heart & Soul Coach to guide the implementation process. Coaching services average $20,000 over two years and are considered eligible grant expenses. A Project Coordinator must also be identified to lead implementation efforts, with flexibility in staffing based on local capacity. The grant supports activities such as public engagement events and community storytelling, but communities should anticipate an overall project budget of approximately $15,000 for these purposes, excluding costs for coaching and coordination. The implementation timeline generally spans 18 months to two years. The application process involves viewing two webinars, submitting an online application, and participating in a virtual interview if selected as a finalist. Recipients are also welcomed into a national network of Heart & Soul towns. There is no published application deadline, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Interested parties are encouraged to email info@communityheartandsoul.org for questions or to discuss potential eligibility exceptions. Templates for required municipal resolutions and matching fund letters are available. The program does not have a formal performance period, but communities are expected to adhere to the recommended timeline and reporting requirements.