Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Neighbor Up Action Grants:

Can an individual receive money through Neighbor Up Action Grants?

Individuals are not eligible. You must have a group of three unrelated people. 

Can my group/organization apply for more than one grant?

No. Groups/organizations may only submit one proposal per round. And groups/organizations can only be funded one time per year. 

Will grant dollars be distributed evenly among Cleveland neighborhoods and East Cleveland?
When possible, the Grantmaking Committee tries to provide an equal share of funding to each neighborhood. However, all grant applications will be reviewed on their merits and some neighborhoods receive a larger share of the money in any one funding round.

Do you fund other cities or suburbs outside of Cleveland neighborhoods?
Funding is available for projects or events that take place in Cleveland and in East Cleveland.

How much money will Neighborhood Connections provide to neighborhood projects?
Each year we distribute about $700,000 in two separate rounds with spring and late summer deadlines.

How large are the grants available?
Grants range from $500 to $5,000. All projects require a dollar-for-dollar match in the form of cash, in-kind donated services, or the contribution of materials, supplies, and other program-related donations.

Are there any conditions on grants?
Groups will be required to match the grant dollars either in outside funding or in-kind services and to complete assessments and evaluation forms as requested by the program.

Is funding available for renovation to a building that houses an organization?
No. Renovations are not in the scope of our mission.

Is there a conflict-of-interest policy which prevents members of the Grantmaking Committee from reviewing applications from groups that either they or their family members are involved with?
Yes. All Neighbor Up Action Grant Committee Members complete and sign a Conflict of Interest form. 

How are the members of the Grantmaking Committee chosen and how long do they serve?
There are typically 18 to 24 members on the Grantmaking Committee representing the diverse skills and knowledge of Cleveland and East Cleveland.

At the end of each year, the committee selects additional alternates, who eventually become full committee members. Cleveland and East Cleveland residents are asked for nominations each time new members are sought.

How long do Grantmaking Committee members serve?
Each member is appointed to a three-year term. If a committee member resigns before their term is completed, they are replaced by an alternate. Members can serve a maximum of two 3-year terms.

How can I become a member of the Grantmaking Committee?
Every year, we ask neighbors to nominate new committee members. Those selected will first serve as alternates and then will assume positions on the committee. If you know someone you’d like to nominate, please fill out this form and email it to us at info@neighborhoodgrants.org.

How long does it take once an application is submitted to go through the approval process and for us to receive funding?
Groups that are awarded funding will be notified approximately 10-12 weeks after submission. Groups awarded grants will be required to attend a grant recipient orientation session.

Can I get help in putting together a grant application?
We host grantseeker workshops in the month before each grant deadline to review how to complete application forms and answer questions. Check our Facebook page for upcoming sessions.

Where do I send an application?

You may mail your proposal to the address below (to be accepted, it must be postmarked no later than the date of the proposal deadline):

Neighborhood Connections
1422 Euclid Avenue
Suite 1300
Cleveland, OH 44115

Can you refer me to anyone else for funding?
Click here for other funding opportunities for grassroots organizations. A good resource for both individuals and organizations is Candid. They do not provide funding themselves, but can provide online resources to help grantseekers identify appropriate funders and develop targeted applications.