Connected Neighborhoods is an initiative started by Mayor Sharon Tucker to bring communities together. It encourages residents to get involved and develop creative ideas to bring valuable resources to their neighborhoods, making life better for everyone.

The Connected Neighborhoods Initiative aims to strengthen bonds within neighborhoods by bringing residents together and helping them design and launch a project that improves the quality of life and serves as a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization.

The Connected Neighborhoods Initiative will award $1 million in implementation grants to two neighborhood groups each cycle (2025 and 2027). Proceeds from the sale of land to Google primarily support these grants.

Only active, registered, and recognized neighborhoods by the City of Fort Wayne are eligible. Neighborhoods must fulfill each step below to be considered:

Formation of Neighborhood Group:

To submit a Letter of Intent, a minimum of three qualifying neighborhoods (not to exceed twenty) within geographic proximity must actively collaborate. The Connected Neighborhoods initiative is an opportunity to showcase how neighborhoods can collaborate, so we require the minimum as outlined. In addition, the group should consist of external partners (churches, businesses, non-profits, funding partners) who will also serve as a member of the Neighborhood Group.

What is required for submission?

Neighborhoods that are interested in applying for this program must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) and all additional supplemental requirements to be considered no later than 5 PM on April 30, 2025. The following is required:

• A single-page summary outlining the neighborhoods and partners involved in the Neighborhood Group.
• A statement of need on how this Connected Neighborhoods initiative will be beneficial to the neighborhood.
• A single-page summary of anticipated goals and outcomes of what you hope to achieve if selected.
• An overview of existing resources and capacity available to the neighborhood group.
• Signatures from all participating panel members.
• Letters of support for the application (minimum of five, not to exceed ten).

This process is key to ensuring the project's success. It helps the City gauge the level of interest and the ability of neighborhoods to collaborate, engage residents, and build partnerships to create a meaningful, results-driven initiative.

Selected neighborhood groups will be awarded based on the following criteria:

• Community Impact: Neighborhood groups must clearly articulate their strategies for positively impacting the City. This involves how they will identify community needs and create sustainable benefits for residents.
• Economic and Social Impact: The letter of intent should outline collaborative efforts to promote social capital, reduce economic disparities, and support underserved populations through the Connected Neighborhoods initiative.
  
• Collaboration: The neighborhood group should demonstrate a robust partnership, both internally within the neighborhood and externally, by identifying key stakeholders, businesses, organizations, and collaborative efforts.
  
• Plan Alignment: The Connected Neighborhoods initiative is open city-wide. However, preference will be granted to neighborhood groups who have recently completed a neighborhood plan, a quick action plan, a neighborhood status assessment, or a subarea plan with Community Development.