Small Grants for Neighborhood Improvements Still Available

As mentioned in my early April legislative column, the Neighborhood Services Division within the City of Kansas City began accepting applications for its reBUILD-KC Neighborhood Mini-Grant Program, which offers grants ranging from $500-$3,000 for various improvement projects for registered neighborhood organizations. The division is STILL ACCEPTING applications for this program. While there is no application deadline, the City will accept applications until its program funding is depleted.

Projects, such as neighborhood cleanups, community gardens, community art programs, and youth development programs, are required to foster partnership and provide a public benefit to the community. In addition, these qualified projects must be completed within one year. A dollar-for-dollar matching contribution of volunteer labor, donated materials and/or in-kind services is required under the grant program. To earn the matching grant, the neighborhood group must make a contribution—donated labor, professional services, etc.— that is assigned a fair value ($15 per hour). For each $1 of donated time, labor or materials, the neighborhood group earns $1 of matching grant funds up to $3,500.

For complete program information and criteria, and to fill out grant applications, visit kcmo.gov/neighborhoods/rebuild-program. You can also contact Tiffany Drummer at the Neighborhood Services Division by calling (816) 513-4504.