Phone
616-456-3027
Neighborhood Match Fund
Watch this short video featuring some of our amazing resident leaders who brought their ideas to life through the Neighborhood Match Fund.
Are you a Grand Rapids resident planning a project to help reestablish community and relationships? You may be eligible for funding through the Neighborhood Match Fund (NMF).
Contracts ranging from $500 to $5,000 will be awarded for Grand Rapids resident-led projects that are community focused, inclusive, and promote a deeper sense of belonging among neighbors.
Important Dates
Submit Project Idea June 1 - June 30
Decision Notification Mid-July
Meet with NMF Staff Early August
Funds Available September
Implement Project September - February
Closing Report Due February 28
Funding
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 $34.79/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
Application
Who Can Apply?
- Grand Rapids residents
- Informal resident groups in Grand Rapids (e.g. Block Clubs, which is a group of people who live on specific blocks (streets), or within a neighborhood area, and have organized to improve the quality of life in their community).
- 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.
Application Guide
Learn how to apply with our step-by-step applicant guide.
English Guide (PDF) Spanish Guide(PDF)
We're accepting project idea applications June 1 - 30.
More Information
| Submit project idea | December 1-31 |
| Decision Notification | Mid January |
| Meet with NMF staff | Early February |
| Funds Available | March |
| Implement project | March-August |
| Closing report due | August 31 |
*Only 1 award per applicant per year
Before You Begin Your Application
Here are a few tips to help you submit a strong project idea:
- Clearly describe your project – Share what you plan to do, why it matters, and who it will bring together. You can write it out or submit a short video.
- Focus on bringing people together – Tell us how your project will help neighbors connect, build relationships, and create a welcoming space where everyone feels included.
- Be clear and purposeful with your budget – List how you plan to use the NMF funds. A thoughtful draft helps us better understand your project’s needs.
- Start thinking about your fiduciary – If your project is selected, you'll need to work with a nonprofit to help manage your funds. It's a good idea to start identifying one now.
Strong project ideas are organized, inclusive, and community centered. Let your passion shine through!
Past Projects
Equity Early Education Summit
Project was an early childhood education summit for people who would like to learn more about serving in the early childhood field and parent leadership.
Read More English(PDF, 94KB) Read More Spanish(PDF, 94KB)
Dream Keep it Moving - A Dreams Tea
Project was a one-day event for 50 young ladies ages 12-24 where speakers provided education on self-esteem, motivation, and future career planning
Read More English(PDF, 110KB) Read More Spanish(PDF, 142KB)
Alger Garfield Neighbors Collaborative - Gather & Share 49507 "What Flavor is Your Story?"
This project was inspired by a proposal for the GR participatory budget process. Project provided an opportunity for neighbors to connect across racial and cultural barriers over a locally made meal.
S.H.O.E.S. (Shoes Help Our Elementary Students)
This project provided a pair of new athletic shoes to Pre-K through 5th grade students enrolled in schools in Grand Rapids city limits.
Read More English(PDF, 99KB) Read More Spanish(PDF, 114KB)
Simulated Dental Visit Experience
This project was a simulated dental visit experience to increase oral healthcare access to underserved communities in Grand Rapids.
Read More English(PDF, 78KB) Read More Spanish(PDF, 107KB)
Healing Together First Annual Mixer
Project partnered with Calvin University Nursing Department to host a social gathering to bring awareness around the need for mental health resources for men
Read More English(PDF, 73KB) Read More Spanish(PDF, 113KB)
A Sense of Place
Project planted food plants and seeds for the purpose of growing food at school so that participating families can harvest from that as well as neighborhood members.
Read More English(PDF, 88KB) Read More Spanish(PDF, 103KB)
A Prom for Me
A Prom For Me is a dance created to give the special needs community a meaningful experience at their own night to shine. At the event, participants can dress up and feel beautiful, dance, eat, and enjoy time connecting with their peers. A Prom For Me is meant to show our community that all people regardless of their abilities deserve to be included in recreational events.
