KC Reporter

Kansas City’s Neighborhood Services Department has announced a new round of funding for the Neighborhood Empowerment Grant. Applications will be accepted from May 14 to June 21, with $400,000 available during this cycle and a maximum grant request of $20,000 per applicant.

Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw was instrumental in developing and implementing the Neighborhood Empowerment Grant program. Parks-Shaw led the introduction and advocacy of the ordinance that allocates funding for neighborhood organizations aiming to enhance residents' quality of life.

“The Neighborhood Empowerment Grant empowers neighborhoods with funding to work on the issues that improve the quality of life in their community. Improving the quality of life strengthens the neighborhood, and stronger neighborhoods make for a more robust and better Kansas City overall,” said Mayor Pro Tem and 5th District Councilmember Ryana Parks-Shaw.

The program focuses on bolstering community engagement, enhancing neighborhood identity, and promoting public safety strategies within Kansas City.

"For Kansas City, community empowerment isn't just a concept—it's a commitment. With the Neighborhood Empowerment Grant, we're investing in community-led projects and the fabric of our neighborhoods. Together, we're shaping safer, stronger, and more vibrant communities,” said Neighborhood Services Director Forest Decker.

The grant application is open to not-for-profit Neighborhood Associations registered (or partnering with an Association registered) with both the City of Kansas City and the State of Missouri.

The grant prioritizes projects in several areas:

- Community Engagement: Promoting active participation in neighborhood initiatives.

- Enhancing Neighborhood Identity: Supporting projects celebrating unique neighborhood identities.

- Public Safety Strategies: Funding programs to enhance community safety.

- Quality of Life Enhancements: Facilitating repairs and upgrades for resident safety.

- Crime Reduction: Supporting efforts aimed at reducing violence and other crimes.

- Neighborhood Investment: Encouraging internal and external development.

- Code Violation Remediation: Reducing code violations to improve living conditions.

In its first round of funding, $260,000 was awarded to 26 neighborhood organizations. The Blue Valley Neighborhood Association received a $10K grant used for minor home repair, crime reduction strategies, youth development, and beautification efforts for their garden. They allocated $4K towards essential minor home repairs focusing on elderly and underserved residents' needs.

A virtual Lunch & Learn session will be hosted by the Department on May 23rd from 11 a.m. to noon. The link will be available at KCMO.gov/neighborhoods on that day.