The 2025 Neighborhood Grant Program, administered by the City of Madison Planning Division, is designed to support neighborhood groups, nonprofit organizations, business associations, and other community organizations in enhancing public spaces, fostering community engagement, and building organizational leadership. The program funds projects that beautify neighborhoods, create public gathering places, or strengthen community involvement. The grants provide financial support, but the initiative and execution rely on the creativity, commitment, and participation of neighborhood members.

The grant program funds two types of projects: Community Enhancement and Neighborhood Leadership and Capacity Building. Funded projects must engage new and diverse community members to increase neighborhood participation, create a sense of community, and empower residents to influence public decisions. The projects should be free, open to the public, and ready to begin within 1–3 months of the award date. The City of Madison anticipates awarding a total of $25,000 in grant funding for 2025.

Eligible applicants include small groups of at least five residents, neighborhood associations, planning councils, nonprofit organizations, places of worship serving a defined geographic area, and business associations focused on community-building efforts. Applications are evaluated based on project scope, creativity, readiness, community benefit, and alignment with city policies. Applicants are encouraged to discuss their ideas with Planning Division staff prior to submission and attend an optional workshop in January 2025.

The application process allows for handwritten, online, or video submissions, with a deadline of February 18, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. Applications are scored based on well-defined project goals, public engagement, sustainability, and demonstrated community support. Projects that align with adopted neighborhood plans or city policies receive additional points. The funding is awarded in stages: 50% upon contract signing, with remaining amounts disbursed based on proof of payment and project deliverables.

Grant recipients are required to submit a final report within 30 days of project completion, including a two-page project evaluation, financial documentation, and at least three digital photographs of the project. Funding restrictions apply; the grant does not cover routine maintenance, salaries, playground equipment on city-owned land, direct social services, or scholarships. Some capacity-building activities, such as leadership training, may qualify for partial funding for facility rental, food, and entertainment.

To comply with city policies, all funded projects must be accessible and welcoming to all. Insurance, permits, and fiscal sponsorship may be required. The program also enforces a nondiscrimination policy to ensure inclusive participation. Interested applicants can contact Linda Horvath or Angela Puerta from the City of Madison Planning Division for assistance in navigating the grant application process.