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.

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.