Grand Rapids Invests In Neighborhoods, Opens Next Round Of NMF Entries

Press release from the City of Grand Rapids:

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – In its continued efforts to invest in neighborhood projects that unite the community, the City of Grand Rapids is accepting proposals for the Neighborhood Match Fund starting June 1. Residents and community-based organizations are encouraged to submit applications for their projects taking place between September 1 and February 28, 2022. Those residents and community groups wanting to learn more about the NMF can tune into a virtual informational session Thursday, May 27.

The City invests in Neighborhood Match Fund contracts with local resident organizing projects and opportunities that bring neighbors together to learn, build relationships and celebrate community. The City’s NMF will award contracts ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 for collaborative and diverse resident-led community projects that focus on COVID-19 resident resiliency and recovery, racial equity and enhance overall quality of life in neighborhoods.

NMF projects must be led by a Grand Rapids resident who is from the community that will be impacted by the project. The NMF project coordinator and City’s Office of Equity and Engagement staff review applications for completeness and alignment to the stated NMF objectives. Following this review, the approved project ideas are evaluated by a diverse community led team for recommendation and final approval.

Approved project ideas move forward to the contracting process by having each project leader meet one on one with the NMF coordinator to create shared understanding on project scope and desired outcomes, discuss strategies for intentional and inclusive project outreach and brainstorm how the event or opportunity can be designed to foster relationship-building among residents while adhering to COVID-19 precautions.

The City will be accepting NMF proposals June 1 to June 30 for projects taking place between September 1 and February 28, 2022. Grand Rapids residents and community-based organizations are encouraged to apply HERE.

The City will host a virtual informational session for residents and community groups wanting to learn more about the Neighborhood Match Fund. The hour-long session will be streamed via Facebook from the City of Grand Rapids Office of Equity and Engagement page at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 27. Residents, community groups and nonprofits can also get information by emailing nmf@grcity.us or visiting grandrapidsmi.gov/nmf.

Residents who led a NMF funded project in the last year will be recognized at the upcoming Grand Rapids Neighborhood Summit, June 1 to 5. The Neighborhood Match Fund emerged as a recommendation from the first Summit in 2015 and NMF project leaders have been celebrated at this annual event since the fund began. Visit grandrapidsmi.gov/summit and follow the Grand Rapids Neighborhood Summit on Facebook for more information.

This press release was produced by the City of Grand Rapids. The views expressed are the author's own.