Innovation Grants for Neighborhood Information, Transformation, and Enhancement!
The goal of the Neighborhood IGNITE Grant Program is to improve South Bend Neighborhoods through innovative projects that spark community engagement and development and are led by neighborhood residents!
Welcome to the City of South Bend IGNITE Grant! South Bend is proud of its historic and vibrant neighborhoods and the connections that they offer for residents. To support that vibrancy and connection, the City of South Bend’s Deparment of Community Investments and Engagement and Economic Empowerment(E3) Team is offering grants of up to $10,000 to neighborhood associations to create and expand ways for neighborhoods to engage, connect, and grow. The funds provide for small neighborhood-based projects with community-wide benefits.
Who Can Apply?
The program is administered by the City of South Bend’s Engagement and Economic Empowerment (EEE) team. The grant program is exclusively for neighborhood associations and the residents within the neighborhood. A neighborhood association must identify neighborhood boundaries. Then develop a committee of at least 5 neighborhood residents (with contact information).
Where can I host a project?
The project must be carried out within the declared boundaries of the neighborhood. Applicants are welcome and encouraged to partner with local organizations and businesses but the project itself must be for the residents of the applying neighborhood association and provide a clear community benefit.
Application
How Does the Funding Work?
As these grants offer funding up to $10,000, the applying neighborhood must have a tax identification number and a bank account, which requires that the association is at least recognized as a nonprofit by the State of Indiana. Organizations do not have to have 501c3 certification. Depending on the project, the city may pay vendors or suppliers directly.
Why is this being offered?
South Bend has a rich and proud history of neighborhoods. Investments in our neighborhoods and neighborhood associations are one of the best ways to facilitate community connection and provide the opportunity for residents to organize and advocate for themselves. The COVID-19 pandemic has made especially clear the importance of local action and we want to do everything we can to make South Bend neighborhoods places for every resident to live, grow, and thrive.
We Awarded Grants to 8 Neighborhoods in the Fall of 2022!
LaSalle Park Neighborhood Association – Neighborhood Signage
Installation of permanent signage identifying and welcoming residents and visitors to the neighborhood
Lincoln-Bendix Neighborhood Association – Banners and Beautification
Installation of welcoming banners along neighborhood boundary at Lincolnway West, Olive Street, and Meade/Bendix and the beautification of the median along Meade and Bendix Drive
Miami Village – Neighborhood Signage
Installation of new permanent signage welcoming residents and visitors to the neighborhood
Monroe Park Neighborhood Association – Neighborhood Tool Trailer
Development of a neighborhood tool trailer and lending program for residents
Near Northwest Neighborhood – “Tot Lot” and Community Greenspace
Near Northwest Neighborhood partnership with St. Paul Bethel Church to revitalize and reopen a greenspace play area for small children and community members
Northshore Triangle – “Grow and Know”
“Know & Grow” envisions the relocation and expansion of the neighborhood’s Unity Garden (ensuring the 12th consecutive season of operations) and the installation of an “iHub” sign, which will centralize neighborhood news, opportunities for engagement, and its history.
Near West Side Neighborhood Organization– Banners and Benches
Banner signage designed by residents identifying neighborhood along Chapin, Charles Martin and Colfax, and custom designed park benches for two local greenspaces.
River Park Neighborhood Association – Signal Box Murals
A series of signal box artwork installations designed by residents along Mishawaka Ave.
ENGAGEMENT AND ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT TEAM | Department of Community Investment | City of South Bend
