Press Release: City Housing and Neighborhood Development Department Invites Neighborhoods to Apply for Grant Funding

Bloomington, Ind. – The City of Bloomington Housing and Neighborhood Development Department distributes funding for neighborhood projects with community-wide benefits. Projects may range from non-traditional capital improvements to public art to celebrations and educational programs. Information and application deadlines for three neighborhood grant programs follow:  

Neighborhood Improvement Grants provide funds for non-traditional capital projects with community-wide benefit: the type that would not be covered by traditional City programs.  Possible improvement projects include physical improvement projects, public art, and design for a future capital improvement through the Neighborhood Improvement Grant. The minimum grant is $1,000 with a 10% match, meaning the total minimum project cost is $1,100. The application process includes the submission of a letter of intent prior to submission of the formal application.  Letters of Intent must be turned into the HAND office by Monday, February 17, at 4:00 p.m., and applications must be turned into the HAND office by Monday, March 23, at 4:00 p.m. More information, including the application form, can be found here: https://bloomington.in.gov/neighborhoods/grants/improvement.

Neighborhood Cleanup Grants are a great way to bring your neighbors together for a common purpose. On a Saturday morning, HAND staff will bring to your neighborhood a garbage truck and a wood chipper, as well as haz-mat, scrap metal, and tire collection stations.  Cleanup grants will be awarded to those neighborhood groups demonstrating, through their applications, the greatest ability to conduct a successful clean-up. Consideration will be given to neighborhoods that have not received a Neighborhood Cleanup in the past two years. Three Neighborhood Cleanup Grants will be awarded for 2020.  Applications must be turned into the HAND office by Monday, March 9, at 4:00 p.m.  More information, including the application form, can be found here:  https://bloomington.in.gov/neighborhoods/grants/clean-ups.

Small and Simple Grants provide neighborhoods with the opportunity to build community and do not require a match component.  Eligible projects include parties or special celebrations,

training sessions or other educational opportunities, sustainability projects, pop-up events, or ways to build or enhance a physical improvement.  The maximum amount that can be requested annually is $500. Applications will be accepted through September 30, or until funds run out. More information, including the application form, can be found here: https://bloomington.in.gov/neighborhoods/grants/small-and-simple.