Press release from the city of Asheville:
In the fall of 2021, the City of Asheville launched the Neighborhood Matching Grants program. The program helps Asheville’s neighborhood-based organizations fund various improvement projects by providing a dollar-for-dollar matching grant of up to $5,000 dollars. The program’s goals are to:
- Build neighborhood capacity and and increase civic participation
- Empower neighborhoods to self-determine improvement projects
- Create and strengthen partnerships between the City and community groups
The development of the program is linked to input received through reimagining public safety and budget engagement where neighborhood investment was identified as an opportunity to improve safety and overall quality of life. Asheville City Council approved funding for the program in the 2021-2022 Budget.
The application process opened in the month of October and 18 neighborhood applications were received. City staff reviewed all applications to ensure eligibility and responsiveness to grant requirements. Proposals included an array of projects including landscaping, entrance signs ,and new recreational amenities.
The following neighborhoods were selected to receive funds for neighborhood projects:
- Albemarle Park-Manor Grounds Association
- Altamont Resident Association
- Burton Street Community Association
- Enka Hills Property Owners Association
- Grace Neighborhood
- Grove Park Sunset Mountain Neighborhood Association
- Haw Creek Community Association
- Kenilworth Forest Residents Association
- Kenilworth Lake Association
- Lakeview Park Homeowners Association
- Norwood Park Neighborhood Association
- Oakley Neighborhood Association
- Park Avenue Property Owners Association
- Shiloh Community Association
- West End/ Clingman Avenue Neighborhood Association
“The Neighborhood Matching Grants program is a great example of empowering and partnering with our community,” says Communication and Public Engagement Director Dawa Hitch. “City staff appreciates the important role strong neighborhoods play in a healthy city and we are inspired by the way neighborhoods came together to develop impactful projects in this first round of awards.”
A second application window will open Spring 2022. Between now and then, staff will support grantees in project implementation and continue to strengthen connections with neighborhoods interested in establishing associations or decision-making structures.
Find a copy of this press release on Asheville City Source.
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