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 through a competitive process, 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
If awarded an NMF contract, the contractor must spend and match the NMF dollars and complete the NMF funded portion of the project during the three-month contract period.
How to Apply
We will be accepting applications for the next round of contracts March 1 - 31, 2019. Check back March 1 for a link on this page where you can submit your idea.
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 funded projects must be led by Grand Rapids residents from the community of project impact. NMF contracts are between $200 and $2,500. The amount we award depends on the amount requested, project scope, alignment with NMF objectives and NMF balance. Our committee reviews applications quarterly.
NMF Funds
When you're awarded NMF funds, you're contracted 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, a 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
Your Idea
NMF projects are reviewed on a quarterly basis.
If you missed the most recent deadline, you can submit your idea on this page during the month of March 2019.
Looking for some guidance? Want additional information and tips for a successful submission and project? We've put together a few guides to make sure you have everything you need to succeed:
NMF Idea Submission Guide(PDF, 226KB)
NMF Applicant Guide(PDF, 922KB)
Successful Projects
We want to make sure that you have everything you need to make your project successful. That's why we've put together a few completed projects.
Check back often. We'll rotate the projects that we highlight here!
De-Escalation and Self Defense Workshops
De-escalation and Defense workshops uses Chinese Martial Arts to teaches community members how to defend and protect themselves in the face of a dangerous situation.
Oakdale Little Free Library
The "Little Free Library" intentionally provides books that reflect the diversity and languages of neighbors in the community.
Martin Luther King High School Summer League
The Martin Luther King High School Summer League is a summer program for high school athletes.
Second Annual Mujer en Resistencia Conference
The Second Annual Mujer en Resistencia Conference empowers Latino immigrant woman with a safe place for dialogue about how to deal and heal with all the issues they're facing in the community. These issues includes immigration laws, labor rights, and domestic violence.
ShovelWorks
ShovelWorks brings community members together to help elderly and disabled residents with snow and yard waste removal.
Threads Sewing Class at Baxter Community Center
Threads Sewing Class at Baxter Community Center teaches participants the basic rules of sewing while allowing them to tell their own story through quilting.
Thursdays on the Green
WestSide Collaborative's Resident Empowerment Community Tools
The WestSide Collaborative's Resident Empowerment allows neighbors to borrow tools from their community tool box. The use of these tools will help keep the neighborhood safe and clean. Tools include snowblowers, shovels, and lawnmowers.