Neighborhood Matching Grants

Overview

The Neighborhood Matching Grants Program (NMG) awards funds to eligible neighborhood-based organizations to make neighborhoods better places to live, work, and play. The program, created in 1992, has four primary goals:

• Build neighborhood capacity and participation
• Allow neighborhoods to self-determine improvement priorities
• Leverage resident involvement and resources to revitalize and reinvest in low & moderate-income neighborhoods
• Stimulate the development of partnerships between City and community groups
  
  

Neighbors Building Neighborhoods

The heart of the NMG program is the community match portion of the project. Matching city dollars means organizations and partners will pledge volunteer time, in-kind donations or services, and/or cash to match the grant funds they receive.  This helps foster deeper connections between neighbors and strengthens the social fabric within communities.

I can't say enough how much community involvement has been generated in our neighborhood. Neighbors are more helpful to everyone they see. We had so many neighbors that spent nights on their patios just enjoying dinner with other neighbors and even now walking together around the neighborhood and pet sitting for each other and such. Before our community seemed to just come home, park in the garage and not come out of their houses; this has completely changed. I look forward to the continued gatherings and general overall 'niceness' of everyone who lives here toward each other.

- Townhomes at Carmel Heights

The benefit of the NMG program is that it extends an opportunity for communities to make improvements that are otherwise unattainable. The results are that residents become more actively involved in the community and a renewed sense of pride and care for the community.

- Sherbrook HOA

Our community is forever grateful for this program because without it, we would not have been able to finance the necessary projects needed to improve the quality of life for our residents. As a result of this program, residents have a little more pride in the community and residents are coming together!

- Appletree Village HOA

30^th Anniversary

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the City of Charlotte’s Neighborhood Matching Grant program. From playgrounds to gardens to neighborhood branding, community events, safety, and more, this program has provided more than 1,000 grants to community organizations over the years, strengthening social ties among neighbors and between neighborhoods.

NMG Project Opportunities

Because each neighborhood is unique, the program offers neighborhoods the opportunity to choose which project is right for them.

Neighborhood Matching Grants projects should be selected through collaboration of neighborhood residents and must provide benefit to the community overall. If you need help planning your project or are wondering if your project qualifies, please get in touch with the neighborhood liaison  for your area.

See below for examples of potential projects.

Dive deeper into this opportunity for your neighborhood with the NMG Program Guidelines(PDF, 2MB). 

NMG Frequently Asked Questions(PDF, 106KB)

Who Can Apply

Neighborhood-based organizations within the program's eligible geography are encouraged to apply, including neighborhood associations, homeowner associations, and neighborhood coalitions.

The eligible geography is based on the Neighborhood Profile Area (NPA) median assessed property value*.

Tier I: Median assessed property value up to $104,110

• Neighborhood Associations and HOAs
  • Can apply for up to $25,000 per application
  • No maximum per year
• Neighborhood Coalitions
  • Can apply for up to $25,000 per application
  • $25,000 maximum per fiscal year

Tier II: Median assessed property value between $104,111 to $181,703

• Neighborhood Associations and HOAs
  • Can apply for up to $10,000 per application
  • No maximum per year
• Neighborhood Coalitions
  • Can apply for up to $10,000 per application
  • $25,000 maximum per fiscal year

  *Eligibility is updated based on periodic citywide property revaluation; 2023 Mecklenburg County revaluation changes are coming, effective date TBD. 

   

Pre-Application Workshops

Pre-Application workshops will help you think through project ideas, provide instructions and tips for submitting a competitive grant application, and tell you what to expect during the application and project implementation processes. Attendance at a workshop is required prior to applying for a grant. 

Virtual workshops will take place via Zoom. An NMG reference guide, and virtual access instructions for Zoom sessions, will be sent to all participants prior to the workshop. 

• The first portion of the workshop is an overview of the NMG program. This is required if you are a new applicant or if it has been two years or more since your last application. 
• The second portion (starting 45 minutes later) will go over the actual application piece of the process. This is required for everyone. 

If you are only attending the second portion of the workshop, feel free to log into the zoom or get to the library 45 minutes after the scheduled start time. 

Pre-Application Workshops for September 1, 2024 Application Cycle 

• Monday July 29th 11am-1pm (ZOOM) 
• Tuesday August 6th 11am-1pm (in-person) (West Boulevard Library, 2157 West Blvd.) 
• Wednesday August 14th 11am-1pm (in-person) (Hickory Grove Library, 5935 Hickory Grove rd.) 
• Thursday August 15th 5-7pm (ZOOM) 
• Thursday August 22nd 5-7pm (ZOOM) 

Upcoming Application Deadlines 

• September 1, 2024 
• March 1, 2025 

Please get in touch with Madison Watson at madison.watson@charlottenc.gov or 980-416-7035 if you have any questions or need assistance. 

How To Apply

1. Determine your eligibility for the program.
2. Attend a pre-application workshop.
3. Review the NMG Guidelines(PDF, 2MB)
4. Fill out your application using the online grant application*

*Documents you will need to complete your application:

• NMG Contribution Template
• NMG Budget Template
• Volunteer Pledge Sheet 
• Volunteer Sign-In Sheet
• Volunteer Hours Tracking Sheet (No Physical Signatures)

All documents are available within the grant application. Samples may be viewed in the program guidelines, appendix B and C.

*Organizations unable to complete the online application can call 704-336-4594 for assistance.

Community Grant Opportunities

Thank you for your interest in the community grants program. Opportunities will be posted here when available. If you wish to receive future funding notifications by email, please register for the Neighborhood Organization Contact List.

Apply for the Lowe's National Night Out Grant- Up to $400!

The City of Charlotte’s Corridors of Opportunity program and Housing & Neighborhood Services department are excited to offer the Lowe’s National Night Out Grant to eligible neighborhood organizations. Thanks to generous funding from Lowe’s, neighborhood organizations can receive up to $400 in reimbursement for expenses related to National Night Out.

This grant is available now through August 5, 2024, or until funds are depleted, whichever comes first.

To be eligible for the grant, your neighborhood must be located in one of the six Corridors of Opportunity.

Please be advised that NNO event addresses and start times may be shared with Lowe’s for their awareness of the neighborhoods they are supporting through this opportunity.

Eligible neighborhoods can apply by visiting the Lowe’s National Night Out grant application page.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact nichelle.wilson@charlottenc.gov.

We look forward to receiving your application.