Neighborhood Mini-Grants

Neighborhood Mini-Grants is sponsored by City of Fort Collins. The City of Fort Collins provides financial assistance through Neighborhood Mini-Grants to support community activities, improvements, and events that build strong neighborhoods and celebrate diversity.

Neighborhood Mini-Grants City of Fort Collins opens in new tab or window The City of Fort Collins helps neighborhoods by giving money through mini-grants. These grants support community activities and improvements. They help build strong neighborhoods and celebrate diversity through inclusive events and projects.

Have questions about the Neighborhood Mini-Grant program, key dates or how to apply? Review this page or contact the program coordinator at NSPrograms@fortcollins. gov for help.

Grant awards typically range from $150 to $1000. See our FAQ for more details on the Mini-Grant Program. Contact the mini-grant program coordinator at NSPrograms@fortcollins.

gov if you have questions or need help with your application. Frequently Asked Questions What kind of projects do these grants fund? Past funded projects include: Neighborhood Seed Libraries & Garden Hubs Neighborhood Movie Nights Can my neighborhood apply for more than one grant per year?

Yes. Your neighborhood can apply more than once per year with no limit on awards. However, the City may award funds fairly to previously unfunded neighborhoods and projects.

The City may also deny funding to repeat grantees to award money to new grantees. How much are typical mini grant awards? Awards typically range from $150 to $1000, depending on project scope and number of participants.

*Special grant rounds may have different award amounts. Can I buy anything I want with the mini grant funds? No. The City of Fort Collins supports sustainable practices.

Mini grant dollars cannot be spent on disposable items* (like plastic or paper tablecloths, paper decorations, bottled water, etc.). *Personal protective equipment (face masks, hand sanitizer) is allowed. Mini grant dollars also cannot be spent on alcohol or marijuana, political campaigning, HOA business expenses, donations to charities, fundraising efforts or improvements to private property.

Grant funds can only pay for expenses listed in your application and approved by the grant committee. Some specific expenses may be denied. The grant committee will tell you which expenses are not eligible ahead of time.

How do I receive the grant funds? You can receive funds before your event or after as reimbursement. Either way, you must complete paperwork and submit receipts.

The City sends grant funds by check, arriving 1-3 weeks after paperwork is complete. How are applications evaluated? The grant review committee looks for these elements: Inclusivity – Is there a plan to make people aware of the project and invite participation?

Does the project consider other neighbors' wants and needs? Planning – Does the application clearly describe the project and identify helpers, outreach, timeline and budget? Sustainability – Does the proposal use sustainable practices?

(reusable options, composting, etc.) City Priorities – Does the proposal align with City priorities? The committee also considers: Projects that benefit underserved areas and communities in specific neighborhoods Neighborhoods that have never received funds Neighborhoods that have successfully managed City grant-funded projects before How will we know if our application is approved? You will receive award notification by email.

What happens after receiving the award? If the City approves your application, you must: Submit a sign-in sheet from your activity/event Do I have to complete a W-9 to receive the grant award? You must submit a Form W-9 to Neighborhood Services if the City approves your grant.

You need to complete and submit the form even if you submitted one before. This is for City of Fort Collins tax purposes only. You do not need to report this on a tax return as these funds are not income.

( Awards over $600 may be taxed. ) What if I don't want to use my personal information on the W-9? You can provide tax information for the homeowners association (HOA), nonprofit or LLC instead.

The address on the W-9 and the entity (personal, HOA or other) that completes the W-9 determines who gets the check and where it gets mailed. There are no exceptions. Previous W-9 forms will not work.

How do I submit my receipts? You can email receipts to NSPrograms@fortcollins. gov .

When must I submit my receipts? Submit receipts within two weeks of your activity or event. Late submission could result in loss of funding and future grant eligibility.

Is there an evaluation to complete? Do I need a special event permit or Block Party permit? Block Party permits are required for all events involving street closure.

These permits need three weeks for approval. Can the neighborhood event be on private property? Yes, but projects cannot improve private property, like putting in a community garden on someone’s front lawn.

Could my neighborhood receive a grant for an activity that already happened? Can my neighborhood submit a late application? No. The City will not consider late applications.

Can City of Fort Collins employees apply for these mini grants? Grant funds cannot be paid to City of Fort Collins employees. Can residents outside the City limits apply for these mini grants?

No. These mini grants are only for residents within City of Fort Collins boundaries. Considerations for Project Enhancement If your project involves conservation or environmental sustainability, other City programs may help with funding or supplies. We recommend exploring these options and combining resources.

Multiple service areas offer incentives, rebates, classes or supplies for such efforts. The Utilities rebate program and the Environmental Services Department can help you start your search. NSPrograms@fortcollins.

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