The Northampton County Department of Community & Economic Development administers the 2025 Grow NORCO Grant Program, aimed at enhancing economic prosperity and quality of life within Northampton County. This flexible funding program supports municipalities and federally registered nonprofit organizations located within the county. Funding priorities may shift from year to year, and the program encourages collaborative efforts between local governments and community-based organizations.

The Grow NORCO Grant Program provides support for several types of projects: Capital Improvement Projects, Quality of Life Projects, Façade Program Projects, Operations Projects, and Community Planning Projects. Examples of eligible activities include public infrastructure improvements, installation of public art, park improvements, façade rehabilitation for residential and commercial properties, staffing positions that support new community development initiatives, and multi-municipal planning studies. Eligible entities can apply for up to $50,000 per project, and projects must be completed during the 2026 calendar year. A 1:1 cash match is required for most projects, with the exception of community planning grants which require a $1 match for every $2 granted.

Applications for the 2025 cycle open on April 21, 2025, and must be submitted via the Neighborly software portal by 4:00 PM on May 30, 2025. The application process requires a detailed project budget and narrative, including cost estimates, match commitment evidence, organization descriptions, IRS nonprofit determination letters (if applicable), W-9 forms, and financial statements. Construction-related projects must also document permits, zoning variances, and vendor contracts if already initiated. Competitive bid documentation is required after the grant is awarded, not at the application stage.

Applications will be evaluated on a competitive basis, using criteria such as project need and approach, budget and match leverage, project timeline and capacity, and partnership involvement. Selected applicants will be notified of grant awards in December 2025. Grant disbursements will be made on a reimbursement basis through the Neighborly portal and are contingent upon submission of semi-annual performance and final closeout reports.

For inquiries, applicants can contact Sarah Ortiz, Community & Economic Development Specialist, at (610) 829-6308 or via email at sortiz@norcopa.gov. All awarded projects must comply with federal, state, and local contracting and non-discrimination requirements, maintain accurate project records, and participate in potential monitoring and auditing by the county.