Block-by-Block Neighborhood Pride Grant Program

The City of Norfolk's Block-by-Block Neighborhood Pride Grant Program is an initiative designed to empower local civic leagues and neighborhood associations by providing financial support for grassroots improvement projects. Rooted in the city’s mission to strengthen community ties and encourage civic engagement, the program encourages residents to collaboratively plan and implement enhancements within their neighborhoods. By facilitating partnerships between local residents, city departments, and public or private entities, the program aims to cultivate sustainable improvements and foster neighborhood pride. There are two grant types available under this program: the Matching Grant and the Mini Grant. The Matching Grant allows civic leagues and neighborhood associations to receive up to $2,500 to support a qualifying neighborhood improvement project. A key requirement for this grant is a minimum 50% match of the funding requested. This match can come in the form of cash contributions, quantifiable in-kind services, or volunteer time. The Mini Grant provides up to $500 for smaller-scale projects or events, intended for community groups that meet the program guidelines but may not require a larger funding amount. Eligible applicants must be legally recognized civic leagues or neighborhood associations located in Norfolk, Virginia. They must be organized as a non-stock corporation within the state of Virginia and listed as such on the Virginia State Corporation Commission website. Additional eligibility criteria include open membership to all neighborhood residents, the existence of officers (including a president, secretary, and treasurer), established bylaws, and records of regular meetings. Proposed projects must take place within the neighborhood the applying group represents, and approval from the group as a whole must be demonstrated. Applications must be submitted at least four months in advance of the intended project or event. All required documents—including a signed W-9 form, proof of legal entity status, a completed application (either Matching or Mini Grant), and signed verification by a Neighborhood Development Specialist—must accompany the submission. A pre-application checklist is available to ensure applicants have completed necessary steps, such as confirming volunteer and matching fund commitments, identifying permit needs, and gathering cost estimates. In 2025, the City of Norfolk will accept applications during three specified windows: February 17–March 7, July 14–August 1, and October 20–November 7. After submission, grants are reviewed first by Neighborhood Services, and then proceed through additional reviews by the City Attorney’s Office, Department of Finance, and the City Manager’s Office. For support, applicants can watch an instructional video through the NBN Academy on YouTube or schedule a 30-minute technical assistance session with their Neighborhood Development Specialist. For more information or questions, residents can contact the program via phone at 757-664-6770 or email Neighborhood Engage.

Watch NBN Academy YouTube session; schedule technical assistance with Neighborhood Development Specialist; use pre-application checklist for readiness.