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Rockville's Organizing Communities and Neighborhoods (ROC-N)
Matching Grant Program

The ROC-N matching grant program was established to support and empower neighborhood associations and to encourage active citizen participation. Through the program, neighborhood organizations may apply for monetary assistance to support projects, actions and initiatives within their community. The program is built upon the premise that people who live and work in a neighborhood are its most valuable resource and are best able to identify the needs of the community, make improvements, or devise solutions to problems.

Qualified neighborhood organizations are eligible for up to $1,000 annually and must provide a match (cash or inkind) equal to the grant amount requested. Applications are accepted twice a year, with due dates of April 15 and October 15.  Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible during each fiscal year, since funding is limited.

Projects will be evaluated and selected by a committee of City of Rockville staff based on the following criteria:

• Community involvement
• Tangible neighborhood benefit
• Project readiness
• Neighborhood match

Projects must address one or more of the following objectives: neighborhood outreach and organizing, neighborhood preservation, neighborhood crime prevention, neighborhood planning, social events aimed at fostering a sense of community pride, or acquisition of technology or supplies that directly support an existing community program or address a specific community need.