Program Description

The Fort Wayne Neighborhood Engagement Grant Program provides funding to help neighborhood associations host events and programs that bring residents, businesses, and organizations together to strengthen neighborhood connections. Grants range from a minimum of $2,000 and can go up to $5,000 and support activities like block parties, educational workshops, neighborhood clean-up events, and social gatherings. The program's goal is to encourage collaboration and volunteerism in neighborhoods and address collective needs in a way that can make a positive and lasting impact.

A grant from the Foellinger Foundation generously funds this program.

Neighborhood Engagement Grant FAQ

The City of Fort Wayne Neighborhood Engagement Grant Program (“Program”) is a unique opportunity for Neighborhood Associations to expand engagement and collaboration among the Association and the residents, businesses and organizations located in the Association’s geographic area. The following significant factors should be considered when applying for an Engagement Grant:

  • Only one (1) Engagement Grant may be awarded to an Association in any year.
  • Associations applying for an Engagement Grant must be registered with City prior to submitting the Engagement Grant Application.
  • Engagement Grant Applications are reviewed and evaluated by City as a condition to the award of an Engagement Grant. A point system is utilized by City to assess the originality and comprehensiveness of each Engagement Grant Application.
  • The Engagement Event/Program must be held between July 1, 2025, and December 24, 2025. No events that occur prior to or after the timeframe will be considered.
  • The Engagement Event/Program may be a single Event/Program or a continuous or recurring Event/Program (i.e. a series of neighborhood meetings); however, the Engagement Grant may be used only to fund the initial Engagement Event/Program.
  • An Engagement Event/Program funded by an Engagement Grant shall not be used to leverage or raise additional funds. The Engagement Grant shall be used only to implement the Engagement Event/Program.
  • An Association shall provide proof of liability insurance coverage prior to hosting an Engagement Event/Program. A portion of the Engagement Grant award shall be used to purchase liability insurance if coverage is not purchased and in place in advance of the Engagement Event/Program.
  • An Engagement Grant awarded to an Association will be in the minimum amount of $2,000 and the maximum amount of $5,000.
  • The Engagement Grant Application provides payment to Engagement Event/Program vendors upon the Association’s receipt of all vendor invoices once the event is completed, or periodically upon receipt of Engagement Event/Program vendor invoices as the event is planned.
  • An Engagement Event/Program shall provide meaningful engagement of residents, businesses and organizations within an Association's geographic area.
  • An Engagement Event/Program that improves activation of public spaces or includes educational components which are responsive to collective needs or interests of neighborhood.
  • An Engagement Event/Program that substantially utilizes volunteers and/or develops partnerships between an Association and businesses and organizations in the Association’s neighborhood.
  • Neighborhood Block Party or Social Event (Engagement Grant may fund food costs, food truck deposits, non-alcoholic beverages, games, prizes, non-raffle giveaways, music, DJs, entertainment, tables, chairs, event/program marketing, space rental)
  • Project Party (Engagement Grant may fund neighborhood clean-up, lending library creation, temporary art installation, neighborhood landscaping event)
  • Educational Programs (Engagement Grant may fund appearance of professional organizations to educate neighborhood residents and provide relevant resources for collective benefit of neighborhood residents; traffic calming; crime prevention; environmental design; rainwater collection; permaculture gardening; home and window repairs; use of 311/City services; etc.)
  • Association Engagement (Engagement Grant may fund Association communications to neighborhood residents about upcoming events and meetings, food and non-alcoholic beverages for meeting, and one-time purchase of meeting supplies)
  • Routine maintenance (i.e., common area mowing and maintenance, snow removal, etc.)
  • General maintenance of public infrastructure (sidewalks, streetlights, alleys, street trees)
  • On-going Association operating expenses (administrative costs, meeting material printing, website fees)

The City of Fort Wayne, in partnership with Foellinger Foundation, recently awarded nine Neighborhood Engagement Grants, totaling $40,000.

The grant program, supported by a Special Opportunity Grant from Foellinger Foundation, provides funding to help registered neighborhood associations host events and activities that bring residents, businesses, and organizations together to strengthen neighborhood connections. Grants range from a minimum of $2,000 up to $5,000, and support activities like block parties, educational workshops, neighborhood clean-up events, and social gatherings.

“We are excited to see the breadth of projects brought forward by our neighborhood leaders,” said Sarah Strimmenos, Foellinger Foundation president and CEO. “They know their neighbors best, and we are proud to provide the funding so they can bring these engagement opportunities to life and improve their communities.”

“We’re grateful Foellinger Foundation is investing in our work to build strong neighborhoods,” said Dan Baisden, director of the Department of Neighborhoods. “Many of the grant recipients are just beginning to establish or re-establish their neighborhood associations and these funds will encourage residents to get involved in their neighborhoods and develop positive working relationships with one another.”

Neighborhood associations receiving awards include:

Beacon Woods Neighborhood

- Hosting a neighborhood block party, which will provide an opportunity for residents to connect, celebrate the neighborhood's diversity, and foster a sense of belonging.

Bloomingdale Neighborhood

- Hosting a series of community engagement events in collaboration with area neighborhoods to engage the community in projects to improve pedestrian and bike safety.

Crestwood Neighborhood

- Helping develop the first Crestwood block party, which aims to celebrate community pride and promote connection with neighbors through a free, family-friendly event.

Crown Colony

- Hosting a Crown Colony Fun Day with the theme "Who is your neighbor" where residents are encouraged to learn more about their neighbors and neighborhood association with a family-oriented, fun event.

East Central Neighborhood

- Hosting a series of inclusive, family-friendly events to deepen community relationships, including a family movie night, family game night, holiday party and a neighborhood clean-up event.

Hamilton Neighborhood

- Hosting the Hamilton Halloween Bash in October at Franklin School Park. The Bash has been the neighborhood's biggest event since it was reactivated and includes opportunities for kids and families to gather for a safe event with food, door prizes, a costume contest and activities for all ages.

Harvester Neighborhood

- Hosting the annual party in August where the association aims to connect with neighbors, celebrate accomplishments and learn about residents’ priorities.

Northside Neighborhood

- Celebrating 50 years, the grant will support the anniversary celebration honoring the neighborhood's rich history with historical exhibits, a panel discussion and performances by local artists.

Packard Area Planning Alliance

- Hosting a community celebration marking the opening of the newly redeveloped Packard Park later this year. The event will serve both as a celebration and a platform for neighborhood connection featuring food and music as well as engagement activities.