Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program

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What is the Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program?

The Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program (NIGP) aims to strengthen Cary neighborhoods by bringing residents together to complete projects that address community needs and that benefit the neighborhood or community at large. Specific goals include:

Improving neighborhood organization and pride by encouraging more resident involvement in addressing neighborhood issues and needs
Leveraging both Town and neighborhood resources towards addressing neighborhood issues
Improving community aesthetics by encouraging physical improvements in Cary’s neighborhoods such as beautification programs, environmental enhancements and neighborhood clean-ups
Maintaining or improving property values in the neighborhood

Funding up to $5,000 is provided on a first-come, first served basis for eligible projects.

Who can apply for funding?

An approved neighborhood group representing a specific neighborhood or community may apply for funding under this program. Examples of such groups include a neighborhood association, neighborhood watch group, homeowner’s association, or an organized committee of neighborhood residents. An HOA/neighborhood may only receive a grant once every 5 fiscal years (July 1 - June 30).

What types of projects are eligible for funding?

Neighborhood-specific projects similar to the following are eligible for funding:

Supplemental landscaping or beautification
Initial neighborhood signage
Playgrounds that are also available to the public
Environmental improvements such as restoration of watershed facilities, streambanks, ponds or non-regulatory stormwater facilities
Public safety improvements such as solar-powered outdoor lighting, fencing, or more secure locks on HOA/neighborhood maintained property that is also available to the public
Construction of a community gathering space, garden, greenway trail or trail extensions that are also available to the public
Other projects that have clear, significant impact on the appearance or conditions of the neighborhood and community at large

What types of projects will not be funded?

Examples of ineligible activities include:

Ongoing maintenance of landscaping, signage or environmental projects
Salaries or stipends
Expenses such as rent, phones and utilities
Festivals or events
Replacement of maintenance-related projects such as replacement of mailboxes, entrance signs, or plant removal
Projects that aim to meet the minimum requirements of a neighborhood's development plan

Ready to apply?

Please click here to review additional program requirements prior to submitting your application. After confirming that your project idea adheres to these guidelines, you may click here to submit an online application.

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