Neighborhood Match Fund

Are you a Grand Rapids resident planning a community-focused project? You may be eligible for funding through the Neighborhood Match Fund (NMF)!

The NMF awards contracts up to $2,500 to Grand Rapids residents for projects that intentionally advance these objectives:

  • Build stronger connections (relationships) between neighbors
  • Lift up resident leadership in the development and implementation of the project
  • Promote social justice and inclusion
  • Benefit the public

How to Apply

Learn how to apply with our step-by-step application guide here. We accept project idea applications during the months of June and December. Come back on June 1st or December 1st to apply.

Who can apply?

  • Grand Rapids residents
  • Informal resident groups (e.g. block clubs) in Grand Rapids
  • Community-based organizations located in and serving Grand Rapids

You can only have one active NMF contract at a time. All reports and paperwork are due before you can apply for a new NMF contract.

NMF Funds

The amount we award depends on the amount requested, project scope, alignment with NMF objectives and NMF balance. If awarded, you must spend the NMF dollars during the six-month contract period. You will also be required to match the amount awarded. This means for every dollar we award, you must match that amount with any combination of:

  • Volunteer labor (valued at $20/hour)
  • In-kind goods and services
  • Cash donations

For example, an NMF contract for $500 could be matched with:

  • $100 worth of volunteer labor
  • $300 of in-kind/donated materials (e.g. food, supplies)
  • $100 cash donation from a local business or from a grant

Project Lead

The Grand Rapids resident leading the project and submitting the project idea. This individual must be from the community that the project impacts. They're the main contact with NMF staff. They're responsible for completing the project and submitting the closing report.

Contractor

An individual, informal group or nonprofit organization proposing the project. The applicant may also be the project lead/contract.

Fiduciary

An individual or nonprofit organization located in Grand Rapids. The fiduciary helps with financial bookkeeping and reporting. The NMF check is written and sent to the fiduciary. Applying as a non-profit? The Contractor is generally also the fiduciary.

What You Have to Do

  • Take place in Grand Rapids city limits
  • Align with the NMF purpose and objectives
  • Abide by City ordinances and policies

What You Can't Do

You can't use NMF fund for any of the following:

  • Anything that financially benefits City of Grand Rapids staff, City Commissioners or Appointed/Elected Officials
  • Staff salary/wage expenses
  • Lobbying efforts
  • Buying alcohol
  • Increasing the cost to the City for the maintenance of the project or for any other reason
  • Events and programs that charge admission to participate

What is a Fiduciary?

A fiduciary is the project finance manager that

  • Manages the dollars
  • Makes sure expenses align to the project
  • Confirms the minimum match contributions were made
  • Documents and reports back on how the NMF dollars were used

We write and send the check to the fiduciary. The fiduciary tracks NMF contract expenses and match contributions. We'll ask you to report on these in the NMF Closing Report form.

Contact Us

Phone

616-456-3027

 

Email

nmf@grcity.us

PreviousNational Association of Government Web Professionals (NAGW)
NextOpen Data Empowering Community: Equity, Health, and Civic Initiatives
Back to top