Community Empowerment Matching Grant

Community Empowerment Matching Grant is sponsored by City of Rockville. The City of Rockville offers these grants to neighbors and organizations willing to match funding through cash, in-kind donations, or volunteer hours. Projects should enhance shared spaces, strengthen community identity, or address livability initiatives.

Apply for a Community Empowerment Matching Grant | City of Rockville Community , Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility , Housing and Financial Assistance Apply for a Community Empowerment Matching Grant About Apply for a Community Empowerment Matching Grant The Community Empowerment Matching Grant Program helps neighbors work together to accomplish common goals that support the overall health, vitality, and inclusivity of the place they call home.

The City of Rockville offers these grants to neighbors and organizations willing to match funding through cash, in-kind donations, or volunteer hours. This is a competitive grant program, and applications are reviewed and awarded by the Housing and Community Development Department . Average matching grant awards are between $500 and $1,000 and benefit those who live within Rockville city limits.

After the project is completed, grant recipients must submit a summary of project outcomes, receipts showing proper use of funding, and at least two visual items (such as photos or printed materials) to illustrate the project. Project Documentation Due The Community Empowerment Matching Grant Program has three primary objectives.

Grant applications may address any or all of the objectives, and no single objective is prioritized over the others for funding. The objectives are: Building community: Funds may be used for programs or projects that promote the development or sustainability of a neighborhood association or community group. They may also support activities that promote inclusion and diversity within the Rockville community.

For example, a neighborhood could host a Heritage Celebration Day to highlight the diverse cultures of its residents. Community improvement projects: Funds may be used to enhance shared spaces within a neighborhood or to strengthen community identity. Bonus points will be awarded if two or more neighborhoods or community groups collaborate on a project.

Livability initiatives: Funds may be used for education and outreach efforts that strengthen social connections within a neighborhood or between multiple neighborhoods or community groups. Eligible initiatives include increasing safety, addressing neighborhood challenges or conflicts, serving low-income residents, or welcoming newcomers to Rockville.

Successful grant recipients must designate one individual to manage the grant contracts and funds. Each group must have at least three members. If applying on behalf of an established organization, such as a homeowners association, civic association, or other community group, applicants must provide documentation of authorization.

All funds provided through this grant are subject to taxes. Examples of eligible groups include: Neighborhood, civic, or homeowners associations Complete the Budget Worksheet Download the budget worksheet to estimate costs and matching funds for Community Empowerment Matching Grant applications. Calculations in the worksheet will not work if the PDF is opened in a web browser.

The PDF works best in Acrobat Reader. The budget worksheet must be uploaded with the online application. Download Budget Worksheet Start the application process by visiting the online grant portal and clicking the “Create New Account” button to set up your login credentials.

If you do not have a Tax ID, use 11-1111111. Click the “Apply” button and complete the Eligibility Form to determine if your project qualifies for this grant. Complete the application and submit it by 11:59 p.

m. Dec. 7, 2026.

Note: The online grant portal can be translated into other languages by clicking the “Select Language” button in the top left. Visit Online Grant Portal Receive Award Notification Applicants who are awarded a matching grant will be notified by Feb. 12, 2027.

Submit Project Documentation Grant recipients must submit the following documentation through the online grant portal by July 7, 2027 : Receipts demonstrating the use of funds. At least two visual items illustrating the project (such as photos or printed materials). A brief report outlining whether the project met its stated goals.

Funds must be used by July 7, 2027. Any unused funds must be returned to the City of Rockville via check, payable to the City of Rockville, no later than July 15, 2027. Housing and Community Development Department Grants and Administration Division