Placemaking Grant Program
The Placemaking Grant program is a community-building initiative that supports quick-wins, and transformative projects throughout the city to create, and enhance community vibrancy, safety, and identity through:
- Activation of leftover and underutilized spaces
- Streetscape improvements
- Art and beautification efforts
- Creation of community gathering spaces
Now in its fifth consecutive year, this grant has a total pool of $150,000. It builds upon the opportunities presented in the City’s Placemaking Hub, which provides toolkits to inspire and guide placemaking efforts. These efforts allow neighborhoods, individuals, and businesses to define the character and identity of their communities through community-driven projects with the support of the City of Charlotte Urban Design Center staff.
What is Placemaking?
Placemaking is a word for prioritizing the experience people have as they spend time in public places. Projects work toward enhancing those spaces; making them vibrant and active; and serving the needs, wants and hopes of the communities where they live. The Charlotte Urban Design Center sees placemaking as a collaborative process to better connect community members to the spaces and people around them.
Do you have a specific project idea to address an issue or opportunity in your neighborhood? Below are the types of placemaking projects that will be considered for funding:
- Wall murals
- Street furniture
- Street parking
- Painted crosswalks
- Bike parking
- Playscapes
- Swings
- Sidewalk Dining
- Pop-up plaza/park
- Street murals
- Painted traffic circles
- Programming and events
- Bus stop improvements
- Green infrastructure
- Community agriculture
- Signal cabinet wraps
- Technical assistance
Thinking about something different? We love new ideas. Other projects will be considered.
Who Can Apply for a Placemaking Grant?
- Neighborhood and homeowners' associations
- Community organizations
- Businesses or merchant organizations.
- Individuals with Project Teams
- Applicant groups must be significantly composed of people who live within the city of Charlotte limits
- If selected, the applicant must be able to meet the City of Charlotte vendor requirements
How Do I Apply for a Placemaking Grant?
Before applying, please read the Placemaking Grant Guide for application requirements, frequently asked questions and project information. You can submit your application through this online portal. Note that all applications require a letter of support from the community organization where the project is located at the time of submission. Start gathering your materials early!
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City of Charlotte Placemaking Grant Guide(PDF, 9MB)