News Flash

Applications Due July 31

DURHAM, N.C. – Durham residents seeking to make their neighborhoods better place to live, work, play, and shop may now apply to receive up to $2,500 for their project through the City of Durham Neighborhood Matching Grants Program.

The City’s Neighborhood Improvement Services Department is now seeking applicants for their program, which provides grants up to $2,500 to neighborhood associations, homeowner associations, community watch groups, and resident groups for projects that improve a neighborhood’s quality of life. Neighborhood groups may also apply in partnership with local organizations, such as schools, faith communities, and other nonprofits.

Examples of projects to be considered for funding include physical improvement projects such as community gardens and murals; neighborhood pride projects such as newsletters or special events; education and training projects such as walking programs and housing workshops; and public safety projects such as crime prevention programs. According to the department, community building is core to project success in that the process of bringing people together and building relationships is just as important as the project results.

Neighborhood projects selected must match City funds through volunteer labor, professional services, material donations, and/or cash. Neighborhood groups can now visit the department’s webpage to review application guidelines and submit their interest form. Applications are due Wednesday, July 31. For additional information, contact the department’s Community Engagement team at (919) 560-1647 or by email.

About the City of Durham Neighborhood Improvement Services Department

The Neighborhood Improvement Services Department works to preserve and improve quality of life conditions for Durham residents, and to encourage active participation in neighborhood redevelopment and public policy and decision-making dialogue. The department is responsible for enforcement of quality of life ordinances and state statutes including the City’s Fair Housing Ordinance; Minimum Housing Code; Nonresidential Code; Weedy Lot, Abandoned & Junk Vehicle ordinances; and the State of North Carolina’s Unsafe Building Statute. The department’s rapid responders, known as the Impact Team, remediate non-compliant housing properties; abate public nuisances, such as graffiti, illegal dumping, and abandoned shopping carts; and conduct neighborhood service projects. The department’s Community Engagement staff provides outreach and education to Durham residents and community organizations. Guided by the City’s Strategic Plan, the department helps ensure that Durham has thriving, livable neighborhoods by providing the highest quality of services to engage and educate the community, eradicating blight, ensuring safer neighborhoods and enhancing neighborhood revitalization.