The City of Gaithersburg is currently accepting applications for the Fiscal Year 2026 Frederick J. Felton Neighborhood Matching Grant Program, a local initiative designed to support neighborhood-based improvement efforts. This program aims to enhance community cohesion and infrastructure by providing matching grants of up to $5,000 for projects that benefit neighborhoods. Applications are accepted electronically between April 1 and May 13, 2025, and approved projects must be completed within the performance period from July 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026.

The grant offers a dollar-for-dollar match (up to 50%) for eligible projects under the standard program. However, communities located within designated Equity Emphasis Areas (EEAs)—as defined by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments—may qualify for a higher match of up to 75%. These EEAs are identified based on census data, focusing on income and minority population concentrations. The program is open to homeowners associations, condominium associations, citizen associations, or any group that represents the majority of residents in a given neighborhood.

Eligible projects include new physical improvements such as sidewalk or lighting upgrades, entrance signage, landscaping, tot lots, neighborhood events, consulting or engineering studies for major improvements, and community-building programs. Replacement of existing features (except community signs and fencing), ongoing maintenance, or work already underway or completed before the performance period are not eligible for reimbursement.

The Equity Enhancement subprogram expands the scope of eligible projects for communities within EEAs. These communities may receive funding for one-time maintenance or repair work—such as private sidewalks, fences, light fixtures, hazardous tree removals, pothole repairs, drainage fixes, and parking lot striping—with the intention that the community can continue regular maintenance thereafter. This subprogram uses the same application process as the standard program and offers the same $5,000 cap with an enhanced matching ratio.

Projects are selected competitively, and priority is given to communities that have not received more than $10,000 in grant funding over the past two fiscal years, and to projects that improve public safety, particularly in common ownership communities. Applications are reviewed by a cross-departmental team from the City Manager’s Office, Community, Neighborhood & Housing Services, and Public Works. Final funding decisions are made by the Mayor and City Council.

The City allows grant-related contracts to be signed in advance, provided the contract specifies that no work will begin before the performance period. All awarded funds will be reimbursed after project completion and City inspection. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact City Hall at 301-258-6300 or via email at cityhall@gaithersburgmd.gov.