Neighborhood Matching Grants Program

Goal

To make neighborhoods better places to live, work, play and shop by providing grants for neighborhood-based organizations to facilitate neighborhood improvement projects.

Program Overview

The Neighborhood Improvement Program awards grants for neighborhood-based organizations to implement projects that will improve the growth and sustainability of their neighborhoods.  These projects may physically improve neighborhoods or help neighborhood organizations become stronger.  Neighborhood organizations within Richland County are encouraged to submit applications for grant funding that focus on one of the three areas of emphasis — organizational development, educational/recreational initiatives and public safety efforts.

The maximum amount of funding to be awarded by the Neighborhood Improvement Program will be $1,500.00 per neighborhood organization.  All grants are approved by County Council. Neighborhoods must provide a match for the amount of monies requested. The match may be in the form of volunteer hours, cash, or in-kind donations.

Eligible Projects

Eligible projects must provide a public benefit to the neighborhood and its residents, involve neighborhood people directly in all phases and be achievable by June following the award year.  Projects should fit into one of the following areas of emphasis:

Organization Development

Project Examples:

• Membership recruitment drives
• Program flyers
• Newsletters
• Neighborhood entrance sign
• Community festivals

Education/Recreation Initiatives

Project Examples:

• After school tutoring
• Student recognition programs
• Community garden
• Sports camp

Public Safety

Project Examples:

• National Night Out
• Crime watch signs
• Crime prevention and fire safety programs
• Street light installation

Ineligible Projects

Examples of ineligible projects include, but are not limited to:

• Flower/tree plantings in common areas
• Operating budget expenses
• Purchasing computers or software materials
• Printing on personal computers
• Home repairs for personal property

Eligible Participants

Neighborhood Organizations within Richland County

Application Deadline

All applications are due in-person or via mail by 4:00 pm on Wednesday, February 28th, 2018.

Mailing Address:

Fax, email and late submissions will not be accepted.

Links and Resources

2018-2019 Matching Grant Application

2018-2019 Grant Application Guidelines

Contact Information

Cheryl Johnson, Neighborhood Coordinator

803-576-2194 by phone or johnson.cheryl@richlandcountysc.gov by email