City of Greenbelt Micro Grant

The City of Greenbelt Micro Grant is a resident-led, one-time, matching, reimbursable grant designed to foster community building and engage new individuals across neighborhoods. This initiative is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, aiming to help communities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen connections within Greenbelt's diverse neighborhoods. The program's core objective is to create welcoming and inclusive opportunities for neighbors to connect, cultivate volunteerism, increase civic participation, and encourage lasting community engagement. The grant aligns with a broader strategic priority of empowering residents to take responsibility for building connections and addressing community needs, thereby strengthening the social fabric of Greenbelt. Target beneficiaries for the Micro Grant include incorporated neighborhood and community organizations, such as Homeowner Associations, Condominium Associations, GHI Co-ops, Apartment Complexes, and Community Coalitions, that are actively involved in improving or developing programs and activities for their local residential communities. The impact goals are centered around fostering stronger relationships between Greenbelt residents, increasing civic participation, and celebrating community spirit. Through resident-led projects, the grant seeks to create tangible improvements and social cohesion at the neighborhood level. The program prioritizes projects and activities that build community, encourage new or stronger relationships among residents, and foster authentic, inclusive connections. Key focuses include supporting social events, enhancing neighborhood communication, and improving the quality of life through community enhancement projects. Funding amounts vary by grant type: Community Event Grants are eligible for up to $500, Neighborhood Communication Grants for up to $750, and Community Enhancement Grants for up to $1,000. All projects require a minimum of five neighborhood residents to be involved and must provide a public benefit, be free to participate, and abide by City ordinances. The neighborhood's match must be 25% of the requested grant amount. Expected outcomes include a more connected and engaged Greenbelt community, an increase in volunteerism, and tangible improvements in neighborhood aesthetics and functionality. Measurable results would involve the number of residents participating in projects, the types and frequency of community events, the reach of communication efforts, and the completion of neighborhood improvement projects. The theory of change posits that by empowering residents with resources and supporting their initiatives, the grant will directly lead to a more vibrant, cohesive, and resilient community, capable of addressing its own needs and celebrating its unique character. This approach reinforces the city's commitment to resident-led development and sustained community well-being.