Program Overview
The City of Auburn's Neighborhood Program strives to create and maintain safe and friendly neighborhoods that keep Auburn a great place to work, live and raise a family. This Neighborhood Program offers Community Matching Grants to support partnerships between the City of Auburn and community groups and organizations to produce resident-initiated projects. The community identifies a project they would like to complete and determines what they are able to contribute (cash, volunteer hours, in-kind services, etc.) and then applies for a cash grant from the City to match the amount provided by the community. The City awards funds based on the benefits the proposed projects generate for Auburn residents, with a maximum of $2,500 per community.
What types of projects can this Grant be used for?
- Beautification projects
- Clean-up activities
- Art projects, especially those that reflect the people of the neighborhood
- Projects that address a particular neighborhood issue or concern
- Projects that help organize neighborhood groups and promote civic engagement
- Projects that engage the diverse populations within the targeted project area
- Community events to bring residents together
What are some examples of projects?
Generally, this Grant cannot be used for projects that are not in compliance with laws and regulations governing the city, county and state. For a breakdown of ineligible projects, view the FAQ (PDF).
What is the maximum amount a group can apply for?
Each community can apply for up to $2,500 per community improvement project each calendar year.
Community Improvement Grant Projects (max $2,500) are longer-term projects focused on:
- Creating an attachment between residents and their community
- Supporting physical, social, and mental well-being of residents
- Maintaining safe and beautiful communities in Auburn
- Increasing opportunities for residents to be civically engaged
Community Clean-up Grants (max $1,500) focus on organizing community clean-up campaigns such as hauling-away junked cars, appliances, and renting temporary dumpsters.
Community Events Grants (max $1,500) focus on organizing community events including potlucks, block parties, holiday gatherings, and more.
Community Event Grants can be start-up funding for a new event or significant enhancement funding of an ongoing event (community has an idea on how to enhance the event or expand it for greater participation). When applying (and if selected) the community group must provide info on sustainability for future events as funding is currently only on a one-time basis for events. This may be waived for future years based on changes to the event (event is more inclusive in following years, event is demonstrably different and unique, event addresses a different need, etc). Some potential funding may be available for needed pre-event purchases, but this will require a meeting. Please contact the Neighborhood Programs Coordinator at [email protected].
Community Matching Grant Program Process
What does the process for the Grant look like?
- Community group fills out an application and COVID Supplement and submits it by the deadline. The deadline is the end of March each year.
- Application is reviewed by appropriate City staff using a scoring rubric (PDF) to determine eligibility.
If the application is selected:
- Applicant will sign a contract with the City of Auburn that outlines the project and earmarks funding for the project
- Applicant will complete the project
within the calendar year
- Applicant will submit receipts to the City
- Receipts must be submitted by mid-December
- Receipts that reflect costs related to the project (as outlined in the application/contract) will be reimbursed
- Once reimbursement is approved, City of Auburn’s Finance Department will mail a check to the applicant
If the application is not selected:
- The community group is welcome to re-apply for the following year
- The Neighborhood Programs Coordinator will provide feedback and/or the rubric and notes from the selection process internally
More guidelines and information about the process can be found in our FAQ document (PDF).
Thinking of applying for a Grant? Here are some things to consider:
Is my community group eligible to apply for a Community Matching Grant?
- Applicants for the Matching Grant program must be a group of at least 3 or more people who are representing a community within the City limits of Auburn.
- The applicants must either be a part of an incorporated entity (like an HOA) or partner with an organization.
- If you are not a part of an incorporated entity, the City can work with you to try to find a partner organization, but there are no guarantees that one will be available.
- Community groups must be inclusive of all residents who would like to participate.
Is my project idea eligible for reimbursement through the Community Matching Grant?
- Does your project provide one of the below services to your community group?
- Creates an attachment between residents and their community
- Supports physical, social and mental well-being of residents
- Maintains safe and beautiful communities in Auburn
Increase opportunities for residents to be civically engaged
- Creates opportunities to connect residents with one another
- Do you have the support of the majority of the group directly affected by the project?
- You must be able to answer "yes" to this question. A Support Form is required as part of your application
- Can you match the amount you are requesting from the City (max $2,500)? Ways to match include:
- Volunteer hours (valued at $35/hour)
- In-kind donations
- Donated services
- Cash
- Supplies donated
- Can your group afford the project in its entirety upfront while waiting for reimbursement from the Matching Grant Program?
How does a community apply?
Applications for each program year will open in January and be due by the end of March. Projects will be reviewed by staff and selected based on their adherence to the guidelines. Applicants who do not receive funding are welcome to re-apply the following year.
Application Documents
- Fillable Application (with translation option for multiple languages on the English Application page):
- Downloadable PDF version to print and fill out manually:
- COVID Supplement (PDF): required for all applications
Important Documents
Proposals must be made on the application form provided by the City. Telephone or verbal requests will not be considered. If you or someone from your community needs help filling out the application in a language other than English, please contact us to receive translation services.
Submit completed applications via mail or email:
Questions?