City of Papillion’s Neighborhood Matching Grants Program

The City of Papillion administers the Neighborhood Matching Grants Program, a locally funded initiative designed to support community-building efforts within neighborhoods throughout Papillion, Nebraska. The program is managed by the Parks Department, with Tony Gowan, the Parks Director, serving as the Neighborhood Program Coordinator. It offers residents, neighborhood associations, and civic groups the opportunity to obtain financial assistance for projects that enhance and strengthen their community connections. The goal of the program is to promote collaboration among residents, increase engagement with city government, build neighborhood organizational capacity, and make visual and physical improvements within neighborhoods. The program provides up to four matching grants annually, one for each ward in the city, with a maximum of $2,500 awarded per project. All grant requests must include a one-to-one neighborhood match, which may come in the form of volunteer labor, in-kind donations, or financial contributions. Volunteer labor is valued at $10 per hour, while professional services must either be donated in full or funded entirely through grant dollars. Partial donations are not allowed. The grant cannot fund items typically covered by homeowner association dues, nor can it be used for alcohol, food, or fuel for volunteers. Projects eligible for funding include physical enhancements such as landscaping of traffic islands, installation of public amenities like benches or art, community gardens, neighborhood identity signage, and recreational features. Organizational capacity building activities are also eligible, such as emergency preparedness training, outdoor health activities, and neighborhood fairs. All proposed activities must occur within the city limits, benefit the public, be consistent with city plans, and be capable of completion within six months unless otherwise arranged. The application process includes completing a detailed form, attaching a budget, maps, and supporting documents such as timelines or sketches, and delivering it to the City of Papillion either by mail, in person, or via fax. First-time applicants are encouraged to schedule a pre-application meeting with staff. Applications are reviewed by a City staff team on a first-come, first-served basis and must be submitted at least 45 days prior to the anticipated project start. Projects requiring special city coordination must receive preliminary approval before submission. Once a grant is awarded, a contract must be signed with the City before any funds are distributed. Neighborhood groups must also appoint a Project Coordinator to manage communications, volunteer coordination, budgeting, and documentation. Final project reports are required within 30 days of completion, including before-and-after photos and proof of expenses. Liability considerations depend on the location of the project; projects in public right-of-ways are covered by City insurance, while projects on private property require owner consent and may require separate liability arrangements. Funds are distributed in accordance with City financial policies and must pass audit standards. For more information or assistance with the application, applicants should contact Tony Gowan at 402-597-2049. Applications may be submitted year-round, and a separate application is required for each individual project proposal.

Applicants should schedule a pre-application meeting with City staff.