Neighborhood Matching Grants Program
Neighborhood Matching Grant Information Sessions and Workshops
Interested applicants are recommended to attend the Virtual Zoom Neighborhood Matching Grant Workshop to help prepare neighborhoods for the upcoming grant cycle. A copy of the Workshop PowerPoint will be available for those that did not attend. This year, Grant Trainings will be held via 1-on-1 phone calls with staff upon request. Phone call Grant Trainings are for additional assistance and are not required. Please see below for dates and times:
- Workshop – December 10th, 2020 from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm (via Zoom)
The Workshop PowerPoint and Presentation can be found here:
Matching Grant Workshop Powerpoint
Matching Grant Workshop Presentation (Audio)
Matching Grant Workshop Presentation (Video)
- Tuesday Phone Training Sessions (open availability) – January 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th 2021 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Thursday Phone Training Sessions (open availability) – January 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th 2021 from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Workshop registration and appointments can be made by contacting staff through email or phone at the information listed at the bottom of this page.
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 dollar-for-dollar match for the amount of funding requested. The match may be in the form of volunteer hours, cash, or in-kind donations or services.
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 1st the following award year. Projects should fit into one of the following categories:
ORGANIZATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Project Examples:
- Membership recruitment drives
- Program flyers
- Newsletters
- Neighborhood entrance sign
- Community festivals
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Project Examples:
- After school tutoring
- Good Neighbor Day
RECREATIONAL INITIATIVES
Project Examples:
- 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
- Gift cards/certificates
Eligible Applicants
Any neighborhood-based organization within Richland County including but not limited to:
- Neighborhood Organizations/Associations
- Community Organizations/Associations
- Homeowners' Associations,
- Property owners' Associations
Ineligible Applicants
Non-Neighborhood-based organizations including but not limited to:
- Individuals
- single businesses
- county-wide organizations
- social groups
- religious organizations
- universities
Application Submission Period (December 1, 2020 - February 5, 2021)
The application submittal period opens on Tuesday, December 1, 2020, at 8:30 am. All applications must be received by NIP no later than 5:00 pm on Friday, February 5, 2021.
Late submissions will not be accepted by NIP staff.
Sample Documents
Matching Grant Application
Expenditure Form
Volunteer Form
Links and Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Matching Grant Process Timeline
Matching Grant Guidelines - PDF
Matching Grant Application - Word Doc.
Matching Grant Application - PDF
Expenditure Form - PDF
Volunteer Form - PDF
Neighborhood Matching Grant Letter of Intent - Word Doc.
Neighborhood Matching Grant Letter of Intent - PDF
Telephonic Quote - Word Doc.
Telephonic Quote - PDF
Check Request Form - PDF
IRS W-9
Contact Information
Essence Holmes
Neighborhood Coordinator
Phone: 803-576-2194
Fax: 803-576-2182
Email: NIP@richlandcountysc.gov
Mailing Address:
Richland County Community Planning & Development
Neighborhood Improvement Program
P.O. Box 192
Columbia, SC, 29202
Physical Address:
Richland County Community Planning & Development
Neighborhood Improvement Program
2020 Hampton St, Columbia, SC 29204