The City of Valparaiso is revising the dates for its annual Neighborhood Improvement Grant program to make funds available earlier in the year, announced Maggie Clifton, Valparaiso’s Community Engagement Director. The new schedule means that applications for 2022 Neighborhood Improvement Grants will be due on March 1, 2022, with winning projects announced by March 11, 2022.
“The Neighborhood Improvement Grant program has become very popular, funding 59 projects since we introduced the program in 2018,” said Clifton. “Last year we were able to fund a record 21 projects. Based on this popularity and community feedback, we thought we’d start earlier for 2022, giving neighborhoods more time to complete their projects by the end of 2022,” she said. Neighborhood Improvement Grants help neighbors come together for common goals. Previous projects awarded Neighborhood Improvement Grants have included:
- Physical improvements, like fixing sidewalks or enhancing park equipment
- Public art displays that add unique character by representing the neighborhood
- Neighborhood signage/branding that instills unity and a sense of pride
- Community spaces, like bus stop benches and pavilions for gathering
The Neighborhood Improvement Grant program is funded by the Valparaiso
Redevelopment Commission and administered by the Community Engagement Department. A grant review committee assists in the selection process.
2022 Applications are due March 1, 2022
An information Zoom webinar will be held Nov. 30 at 6:00 pm via Zoom, using the link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81048372611. Guidelines and application materials are available on the Community Engagement page at Valpo.us, accessed at http://www.ci.valparaiso.in.us/1636/Neighborhood-Improvement-Grant. For questions or guidance, Clifton is available at MClifton@valpo.us or at City Hall, 219-462-1161.