Richland County, South Carolina

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Neighborhood Enrichment Grant Program (NEGP)

FY 25-26

About

The Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) created the Neighborhood Enrichment Grant Program (NEGP) to provide grants to neighborhood organizations in Richland County. The goal of the NEGP is to promote leadership, independence, and overall improvement within individuals and their community through enrichment projects. The Neighborhood Enrichment Grant Program brings about new changes: tiered funding, no required matches, no required volunteer hours, new project categories, increased project eligibility, more planning resources, and an easier application process. As of June 30th, 2022, the Neighborhood Matching Grant will be terminated.

Neighborhood organizations within Richland County are encouraged to submit applications for the NEGP that focus on at least one or more of the four project categories: Neighborhood Beautification, Community Engagement, Safety & Health, and Leisure. All grants are approved by Richland County Council.

For more information, review the NEGP Guidelines under the 'Resources and Documents' section.

How to Apply

To apply for the Neighborhood Enrichment Grant, download the application below under "Resources and Documents". Applications can be sent via email to NIP@richlandcountysc.gov using subject line "NEGP Application" or in person at Richland County Administration Building, 2020 Hampton St. Columbia, SC 29204 (1st Floor).

Application Submittal Period (December 1, 2024 - February 2, 2025)

The application submittal period opens on December 1, 2024, at 8:30am. All applications must be received by NIP no later than 11:59 pm on February 2, 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Neighborhood Enrichment Grant Training Sessions

Interested applicants are recommended to attend the Neighborhood Enrichment Grant Training Sessions to help prepare for the upcoming grant cycle. A copy of the NEGP Training PowerPoint will be available after the first training session.

This fiscal year, NEGP Training Sessions will be held in person inside the 4th Floor Conference Room at Richland County Administration Building, 2020 Hampton St. unless otherwise stated. Masks are recommended. For those who cannot attend, one-on-one Training Sessions can be scheduled by calling or emailing NIP Staff. Workshop registration and appointments can be made by contacting staff at NIP@richlandcountysc.gov. See below for dates and times:

November 14th - 10am-11:30am

November 14th - 2pm-3:30pm

December 12th - 10am-11:30am

December 12th - 6pm-7:30pm

January 9th - 2pm-3:30pm

January 9th - 6pm-7:30pm

January 16th - 2pm-3:30pm

January 16th - 6pm-7:30pm

Grant Training Sessions Flyer PDF

NEGP Overview

See the NEGP Guidelines under 'Resources and Documents' for more detailed information.

Funding

The Neighborhood Enrichment Grant Program introduces funding tiers: Tier 1 and Tier 2. Tier 1 funding is for neighborhood organizations that live outside low-to-moderate income areas. Their funding is maxed at $1,500 per fiscal year. Tier 2 funding is for neighborhood organizations that live within Low-to-Medium Income (LMI) areas. Their funding is maxed at $2,500 per fiscal year. See the online interactive Tier Funding Map to determine which tier your neighborhood is eligible for.

Eligible Applicants

Any neighborhood-based organization located in Richland County (incorporated or unincorporated) is an eligible applicant. This includes, but is not limited to:

Neighborhood Associations
Homeowners Associations
Property Owners Associations
Other like neighborhood-based associations and related groups

Ineligible Applicants

Any group that is not a neighborhood-based organization and/or located outside of Richland County is an ineligible applicant. This includes but is not limited to: