City of Holland Neighborhood Mini-Grant Program

The City of Holland Neighborhood Mini-Grants program is a community-oriented funding initiative designed to support local efforts that foster neighborhood pride, inclusiveness, and long-term civic engagement. Administered by the City of Holland’s Community and Neighborhood Services Department, this initiative provides grants of up to $1,500 for eligible projects that build neighborhood capacity and improve the overall quality of life for residents. The program reflects the city’s commitment to strengthening ties among neighbors and supporting grassroots projects that promote equity, diversity, and collaboration. The primary purpose of the Mini-Grants is to enable neighborhood-based nonprofit organizations, faith-based groups, and other eligible collectives within Holland’s city limits to implement small-scale but impactful projects. The grant encourages proposals that align with several goals: improving neighborhood aesthetics, fostering inclusivity, enhancing local amenities, or creating opportunities for intergenerational engagement and leadership development. Projects are expected to be rooted within defined neighborhood boundaries and must take place on either public land or private land that is accessible to the public, such as green spaces adjacent to faith or cultural institutions. Applicants must be nonprofit organizations operating within the City of Holland or be groups of residents partnered with a qualifying fiduciary organization. The applying group must consist of multiple members who live or work in the target neighborhood and demonstrate broad-based community support for the proposed initiative. Successful applications will include a detailed budget, a plan addressing the project’s lifecycle, and a commitment to submitting a completion report with receipts, expenditures, and documentation of outcomes. Preference will be given to applications that exceed minimum engagement expectations and those that include additional forms of community contribution such as cash donations, volunteer hours, or in-kind support. Grant funding is allocated on a reimbursement basis, requiring applicants to front costs and submit receipts for eligible expenditures. Approved projects may include community gardens, pathways, art installations, interpretive signage, and other initiatives that enrich neighborhood life. The grant does not support ongoing operational costs, private property enhancements not open to the public, fundraising activities, or the acquisition of land or buildings. All projects must adhere to guidelines that ensure equitable participation across all demographic and socioeconomic segments of the community. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, allowing applicants to apply whenever they are ready. The Mini-Grant Selection Committee, composed of city staff and Neighborhood Improvement Committee members, aims to begin reviewing each application within a month of receipt and provide feedback within six weeks. Priority is given to neighborhoods or groups that have not received funding in the prior 12 months, and grant funding is subject to annual budget allocations approved by the Holland City Council. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with the Community Development Coordinator at the beginning of the application process to ensure clarity regarding project feasibility, funding availability, and potential concerns. Applications must include the completed cover page, responses to six narrative questions, two attachments detailing donations and budgets, and a signed declaration page. Optional attachments such as maps or concept drawings are also encouraged. All submissions should be emailed to m.kornelis@cityofholland.com or delivered to the Community & Neighborhood Services office at 270 S. River Ave., Holland, MI 49423. For assistance or accommodations during the application process, applicants should also contact the Community Development Coordinator.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the Community Development Coordinator before applying to confirm eligibility and strengthen applications.