Grand Rapids backs 25 resident projects with over $76,000 to strengthen community ties

- September 03, 2026

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. —The City of Grand Rapids has awarded more than $76,000 in Neighborhood Match Fund grants to support 25 resident-led projects that bring neighbors together and build a stronger sense of belonging.

The Neighborhood Match Fund (NMF) awards contracts ranging from $500 to $5,000 to resident-led projects that promote social justice, inclusion and public benefit. Applicants must match the city’s award using volunteer labor, donated goods or cash.

Each project was reviewed by community juries to ensure alignment with NMF goals — lifting resident leadership, strengthening neighborhood ties and advancing equity. Approved leads met with the NMF team to define project scope, contract expectations and inclusive outreach strategies.

The City will open applications for the next funding round from Dec. 1 to Dec. 31. Projects will run from March through August.

 NMF contract awards for 2027R1 projects went to:

  • Kelsea's Sacred Dwellings – Pathways to Belonging: This project supports young adults with special needs by providing opportunities to build essential life skills, participate in community activities and develop meaningful connections. Date of event: November 2
  • Tricks, Treats and Community: This project will bring children, families and neighbors together for a safe, welcoming and fun-filled community event. Date of event: October 31
  • A.L.L. Cohort Horizon: This project will empower youth ages 9–12 through peer connections, social-emotional learning and leadership development in a safe, supportive and engaging environment. Date of event: September 22
  • Eastown Community Association – Snow Angel Project: This project connects local teens and families with neighborhood seniors and residents with mobility challenges to provide volunteer-driven snow shoveling and sidewalk clearing throughout the winter months. Date of event: December 1
  • Garfield Park Community Picnic: This project creates a welcoming space for community building, economic empowerment, access to resources and cultural education. Date of event: September 20
  • LINC Up Non-Profit Housing – Expungement Processing Fee Assistance: The project will assist Grand Rapids residents with processing fees associated with having criminal records expunged. Date of event: November 13
  • Sistas in Development – The Need to Know Project: This project will provide engaging and educational presentations designed to help community members learn more about their civic rights and responsibilities. Date of event: October 24
  •  The Other Way Ministries – Free Community Art Classes: This project will provide free community art classes to Grand Rapids residents, with a special focus on engaging unhoused and underserved neighbors. Date of event: September 12
  • LifeQuest Basketball Academy: This project will launch a youth development program for student-athletes and underserved youth in the Grand Rapids community. Date of event: October 1
  • Glenwood Ave Block Party: This project will bring residents from the Glenwood and Norwood blocks in the Eastown neighborhood together for a fun and welcoming community block party. Date of event: September 7
  • Association for a More Just Society-US - Cena de Independencia Hondureña (Honduran Independence Dinner): This project will bring together approximately 50 members of the Honduran community in Grand Rapids for an evening of traditional food, cultural music and activities celebrating Honduran heritage. Date of event: September 15
  • Midtown-Ashby Row Block Party: This project will bring Ashby Row neighbors together for a fun and welcoming neighborhood block party. Date of event: September 19
  • Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan – Trunk-or-Treat for Lead Defeat: This project will provide a fun and engaging community event where families can learn about lead poisoning prevention in a welcoming and memorable way. Date of event: October 29
  • Beyond the City – Beyond the Table: A Teen Friendsgiving & Fall Festival: This project will bring teens, families and neighbors together for a community Friendsgiving centered on food, storytelling, service and cultural celebration. Date of event: November 14
  • Financial Empowerment for Families & Neighbors: This project will bring neighbors together to learn practical financial skills, share resources and build meaningful relationships. Date of event: October 5
  • Sacred Beginnings – Wellness Workshops: This project will provide survivors of human trafficking with supportive workshops focused on practical skills, wellness and personal development. Date of event: October 1
  • R2LTV – R2LTV Kids Concert: This project will bring youth together for a Kids’ Concert created for students and featuring student performers. Date of event: September 19
  • We’ll Always Remember Community Mural Paint Party: This project will create a community space for reflection, remembrance and unity by honoring community members who have passed away. Date of event: September 20
  • Parents for Healthy Homes – 9th Strong Families Celebration: This project will create a welcoming space where families can experience joy, build meaningful connections, and feel seen, heard and valued. Date of event: September 19
  • Healing In Men – Healing Together Mixer: This project will create a supportive and welcoming space where men from diverse backgrounds can come together, build connections, and have meaningful conversations about shared experiences and challenges. Date of event: October 10
  • The Gathering: Meet & Greet, Open Mic, and Poetry Slam: This project will bring together six or more local open mic communities, creating opportunities for poets and artists from across the city to connect, share their talents and learn about other creative spaces. Date of event: October 1
  • Nuestra Solidaridad 2026: Welcoming Our New Neighbors: This project is designed to bring residents together to welcome new neighbors, build meaningful connections and celebrate a strong sense of community. Date of event: October 25
  • Battle Ground Impacts – Balance Minds Men’s Mental Health Conference: This project will provide a community-focused mental health conference designed to create a safe and welcoming space where men can openly discuss everyday challenges. Date of event: November 14
  • The Block Party: This project will provide a fun, safe and family-friendly community event for children and families on the southeast side of Grand Rapids. Date of event: October 31
  • WijkWandeling Owashtanong (working title): This project will bring together neighbors, community partners and local leaders through the Dutch tradition of neighborhood walking groups. Date of event: September 24

How It Works

Who can apply: Grand Rapids residents, informal resident groups (like block clubs) and local nonprofits.

Funding range: $500–$5,000, requiring a match equal to the grant amount via volunteer labor, donated goods or cash.

Project criteria: Must be free, open to the public and align with goals of resident leadership, community connections and social justice,

Application deadlines: June 1–30 and December 1–31 each year.

For more information, visit the Neighborhood Match Fund webpage at grandrapidsmi.gov/nmf or contact nmf@grcity.us.

 

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