Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program

The Neighborhood Improvement Grant program is intended to give residents an opportunity to have direct input and influence into the improvement of Valparaiso’s neighborhoods. The funds provide for small neighborhood-based projects that offer community-wide benefit. The goal is to bring neighborhoods together and to increase partnerships between neighborhoods and the city through positive improvement projects. The grant funds are provided by the Redevelopment Commission and the program is administered by the Community Engagement Department.  

View a catalog of projects that have been completed through the Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program. 

2021 Resources:

• 2021 Neighborhood Grant Guidelines
• Zoom Information Session Recording
• Information Session Presentation Slides
• Neighborhood Grant Application Word Document
• Application Review Checklist
• Neighborhood Toolkit
• 20 Ideas to Inspire Your Neighborhood

Block Party Grant - NEW!

To encourage neighborhood engagement, the City of Valparaiso is offering Block Party Grants of up to $500 to go towards food, entertainment or other creative ideas that bring neighbors together. Block parties can offer a time to reconnect with neighbors after distancing over the past year and can be a great opportunity to gather ideas for Neighborhood Grant Applications. Neighborhoods are encouraged to host safe and appropriately sized, outdoor gatherings to bring people together. Block Party Grants are available for events hosted between May 15 - September 5 (limit one grant per neighborhood).

Eligible block parties must be organized by a neighborhood group and must be open to all neighbors (while maintaining Porter County Health Department’s gathering guidelines). Gatherings must take place in public spaces, like a neighborhood block or park.  An application telling us more about your event must be submitted to the Community Engagement Department. These grants can be used to reimburse neighborhoods or to pay invoices from vendors directly, determined on a case-by-case basis.  Grants will be awarded on a first come first served basis.

By participating in the Block Party Grant program, neighborhoods will have access to additional print materials to help promote the party. A giant chalkboard to gather neighborhood improvement ideas will also be available. Neighborhoods are encouraged to use our Neighborhood Toolkit for tips to plan a successful block party.  

To apply for a block party grant, complete this form.  Additional guidelines can be found in the Neighborhood Grant Guidelines.

Fore more information on neighborhood grant opportunities, contact Maggie Clifton, Community Engagement Director at 219-462-1161 or mclifton@valpo.us.