Government, Housing and Community Services, Rockville Reports

Matching Grant Program Deadline Approaches Dec. 5

Neighbors and community groups have until Friday, Dec. 5 to apply for the city’s Community Empowerment Matching Grant program, which helps residents work together on projects that support the health, vitality and inclusivity of the place they call home. 

Applications are open to tenant, neighborhood, civic or homeowners associations, community groups, organized groups of neighbors, and student groups. The required match may be met with cash, in-kind support, or volunteer hours. 

Grants typically range from $500 to $1,000, must benefit a clearly identified area within city limits and address one or more of the following objectives: 

Building community: Projects that promote the development or sustainability of a neighborhood association or community group, or activities that foster diversity and equity. 

Community improvement projects: Projects that improve shared space within a neighborhood or strengthen community identity. This may include landscape improvements and maintenance, natural features management, benches, painting or certain exterior improvements. Bonus points will be awarded if two or more groups work together on a project. 

Livability initiatives: Projects that provide educational and outreach opportunities that strengthen social connections between neighbors or neighborhoods. This may include improving safety, addressing a neighborhood challenge or conflict, serving low-income seniors or finding ways to welcome newcomers to Rockville. 

For additional information, contact Nik Sushka at 240-314-8321 or Sarah Maizel at 240-314-8304 or smaizel@rockvillemd.gov. To review program objectives and for the application form, visit rockvillemd.gov/communityempowerment.