The Neighborhood Improvement Grant program is designed to offer funding opportunities to residents of Valparaiso, Indiana, to improve their neighborhoods through small-scale projects with a community-wide impact. The program's primary goal is to foster neighborhood engagement, promote partnerships between residents and the city, and enhance public spaces for the benefit of all. Neighborhood-based projects that can qualify for this funding include tree plantings, public art installations, playground or park equipment, benches, shelters, gathering spaces, signage, landscaping, and other creative ideas that visibly enhance neighborhoods. The city encourages applicants to collaborate, and multiple neighborhoods can combine their efforts for a larger grant of up to $30,000.

For the 2025 program, grants up to $20,000 are available for individual neighborhood groups, with a requirement that the proposed project must improve public spaces and offer a tangible benefit to the broader community. Projects must align with the city’s existing plans and policies, and applicants are encouraged to consult with city staff before finalizing their project proposal. If the project is to be executed on private property, such as common areas owned by a homeowners association (HOA), a 51% match may be required from the neighborhood group. This program no longer accepts funding requests for sidewalk maintenance projects unless they include enhancements to the neighborhood’s visual appeal.

To apply for the grant, neighborhood groups must first register with the city's Neighborhood Directory. The city’s Community Engagement Department can assist with organizing neighborhood efforts, including providing access to tools such as a Neighborhood Toolkit. Applicants must also meet with the department for a required planning session before submitting their application. The department offers support, including help with budget development, guidance on application materials, and connecting applicants to relevant city departments. It is advised to schedule the planning meeting at least one month before the application deadline.

The application deadline for the 2025 program is March 1, 2025. The review of submitted applications will be done by a committee of city staff, and the decision regarding grant awards will be communicated no later than March 19, 2025. After receiving funding, all grant-funded projects must be completed by January 1, 2026. The review committee will prioritize projects based on several criteria, including the level of neighborhood engagement, the public benefit of the project, the feasibility and longevity of the proposal, and the extent of neighborhood investment, such as leveraging additional funds or volunteer efforts.

The Neighborhood Improvement Grant program prioritizes funding for projects that are highly beneficial to the community and that create lasting improvements in the neighborhood. Neighborhoods that have not previously received funding may be given preference, and the review committee may prioritize applications from new applicants over those that have already been funded multiple times. While multiple neighborhoods can collaborate on a project to increase the grant amount, each project must be carefully planned, and applicants should be aware that not all projects may receive full funding.