Government, Housing and Community Services, Rockville Reports

Matching Grants Support Projects That Bring Neighbors Together

Applications Open Nov. 2

Have an idea to improve your neighborhood or bring neighbors together? Rockville’s Community Empowerment Matching Grant Program will accept applications from Monday, Nov. 2 through Monday, Dec. 7. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2027.

Grants typically range from $500-$1,000 and must benefit a clearly identified area within city limits. Projects may address one or more of these objectives:

• Building community: Support the development or sustainability of neighborhood associations or community groups, or promote inclusion and diversity.
• Community improvement: Enhance shared neighborhood spaces or strengthen community identity.
• Livability: Improve safety, address neighborhood challenges or conflicts, serve low-income residents or welcome newcomers to Rockville.

Tenant organizations, neighborhood associations, community groups, nonprofits, organized groups of neighbors and student groups are eligible to apply. Proposals receive higher scores when two or more neighborhoods or community groups collaborate. Applicants may meet the match requirement through in-kind donations, volunteer hours and cash contributions.

Previously funded projects include an intergenerational music and wellness project, a citywide family day with neighborhood senior villages and community space beautification.

Next spring, the program will transition to the Community Empowerment Mini-Grant Program for fiscal year 2028, simplifying the process for smaller-scale, one-time and short-term community projects. The new program will accept proposals for $500 to $10,000 for projects taking place from July 1, 2027 through June 30, 2028. Groups receiving a matching grant in the current cycle may also apply for a mini-grant next spring.

Learn more at rockvillemd.gov/communityempowerment. For questions, contact Nik Sushka at nsushka@rockvillemd.gov or 240-314-8321.