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 5:00 pm on Monday, February 4th, 2019.
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, 1st Floor
2020 Hampton St, Columbia, SC 29204
Fax, email and late submissions will not be accepted.
Links and Resources
2019 - 2020 Check Request Form - Word Doc.
2019 - 2020 Check Request Form - PDF
2019 - 2020 Expenditure Form - Word Doc.
2019 - 2020 Expenditure Form - PDF
2019 - 2020 Labor Hour Form - Word Doc.
2019 - 2020 Labor Hour Form - PDF
2019 - 2020 Matching Grant Application - Word Doc.
2019 - 2020 Matching Grant Application - PDF
2019 - 2020 Matching Grant Guidelines - Word Doc.
2019 - 2020 Matching Grant Guidelines - PDF
Neighborhood Matching Grant Letter of Intent - Word Doc.
Neighborhood Matching Grant Letter of Intent - PDF
Telephonic Quote - Word Doc.
Telephonic Quote - PDF
2018 W-9
Contact Information
Kina Page, Neighborhood Coordinator
803-576-2194 by phone or NIP@richlandcountysc.gov by email