The City is offering residents and local organizations a unique opportunity to build better neighborhoods.

The newly introduced ReBuild KC-Neighborhood Grants program will primarily use American Rescue Plan Act Coronavirus State & Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARP) to finance a variety of neighborhood improvements, including:

• Housing improvements, affordable housing and unhoused solutions 
• Infrastructure projects and improvements such as sidewalks, sustainable streetscapes, digital access, blight elimination, etc.
• Job creation and employment training programs 
• Violence prevention and crime reduction initiatives 
• Energy sustainability/efficiency programs, such as tree planting, solar or other alternative energy solutions 
• Neighborhood resiliency projects/programs 
• Activities that promote healthy communities
• Other neighborhood and community projects or programs

The program will be administered by the Neighborhood Services Department and anyone is welcome to apply, with grants ranging in size and scope dependent on community requests, demonstrated need, and availability of funds.

Selected projects will demonstrate how they will strengthen partnerships and interactions among community/neighborhood residents, will improve neighborhood quality and livability and/or will support an activity advancing economic development. 

This initiative is part of City Manager Brian Platt’s plans to shift the department to a more solution-oriented team that is responsive to residents. He and newly-appointed Neighborhood Services Director Forest Decker share the vision that emphasizes community/neighborhood collaboration and support for neighborhoods greatest needs like safety, infrastructure, and beautification. 

“I want Kansas City residents to know we’re listening to them and are actively working to prioritize their ideas into our planning so we can do our part to make neighborhoods even more vibrant and active,” Platt said.

Individuals, neighborhood associations, homes associations, not-for-profit organizations, for-profit companies and others are all encouraged to apply.

“We welcome projects of all sizes, whether it’s something small as a tree planting or park bench installation to something as large as a new building with 500 affordable housing units,” Decker said. “All we ask is your project clearly demonstrate a benefit to Kansas Citians.”

The funds will be spent only in Kansas City, and must have a community or public benefit. Interested individuals and organizations should share details of their project using this form. Projects selected for further considerations may be asked for additional information.

For more information on the ReBuild KC-Neighborhood Grants Program, visit KCMO.gov/rebuildkc.