Block-by-Block Neighborhood Pride Grant Program

The City of Norfolk’s Block-by-Block Neighborhood Pride Grant Program is a locally administered initiative aimed at empowering civic leagues and neighborhood associations within the city to enhance the quality of life in their respective communities. Developed and managed by the City’s Department of Neighborhood Services, the program facilitates grassroots improvement efforts by providing direct funding support to resident-led organizations. Its primary aim is to stimulate neighborhood revitalization by supporting initiatives that build relationships, encourage collaboration, and implement creative community improvement projects. The program offers two types of grants tailored to different project scopes and funding needs. The Matching Grant provides up to $2,500 in funding and requires recipients to provide a 50% match, which can include cash, in-kind contributions, or volunteer time. This tier is intended for more robust neighborhood initiatives that demonstrate shared investment and resource mobilization. On the other hand, the Mini Grant offers up to $500 without a matching requirement, supporting smaller-scale or event-based projects. Both grants aim to foster community engagement, enhance public-private cooperation, and build sustainable, resident-driven development capacity. To be eligible, applicant organizations must be civic leagues or neighborhood associations located in Norfolk, Virginia. They must have formalized their organizational structure by registering as non-stock corporations with the Virginia State Corporation Commission. Additional eligibility criteria include open membership to all neighborhood residents, the presence of formal officers, regular meetings with recorded minutes, and established bylaws. Importantly, proposed projects must take place within the neighborhood represented by the applying group, ensuring a direct impact on local stakeholders. The application process requires groups to submit all necessary documentation at least four months before the intended project or event date. Along with the completed application form—either for the Matching or Mini Grant—groups must provide a W-9 form and a certificate verifying state entity status. Applicants must also obtain a signature from their Neighborhood Development Specialist and demonstrate preliminary volunteer and matching support if applicable. A detailed pre-application checklist ensures that submissions meet all required criteria, including cost estimates, necessary permits, and civic league approval. In 2026, applications will be accepted during three separate windows: February 16–March 6, July 13–31, and October 19–November 6. After submission, grants are first reviewed by the Neighborhood Services department before undergoing further review by the City Attorney’s Office, Department of Finance, and the City Manager’s Office. Residents may also take advantage of technical assistance and informational resources, including an NBN Academy session available on YouTube and optional one-on-one sessions with Neighborhood Development Specialists. Overall, the Block-by-Block Neighborhood Pride Grant Program underscores Norfolk’s commitment to resident empowerment, equity, and neighborhood sustainability. By supporting community-led projects through both financial assistance and technical guidance, the city promotes a model of civic engagement rooted in collaboration, localized decision-making, and mutual accountability.

Ensure legal entity status is verifiable and obtain all approvals and documentation in advance. The application must be submitted four months prior to the event.