The Energize Your Neighborhood Grant

The Energize Your Neighborhood Grant, administered by Missoula Neighborhoods, supports resident-driven initiatives that improve neighborhoods and enhance the quality of life across the City of Missoula. Funded annually by the Missoula City Council, this grant provides targeted financial support for projects that foster civic engagement, community collaboration, physical improvement, and long-term neighborhood planning at the grassroots level. Grants are awarded through a competitive process, with a total of $20,000 allocated each fiscal year and a maximum award cap of $6,000 per project. Eligible projects may include, but are not limited to, the beautification of traffic-calming infrastructure, mural installations, park enhancements, construction of little free libraries, community signage, block parties, and the development of walking trails. Proposed projects must be located within Missoula city limits and demonstrate a lasting benefit to the local community. Projects are expected to be completed within one to two years of the award. Applicants are required to engage in a pre-application discussion with Missoula Neighborhoods staff by November 20, 2025, and submit their final application, budget, and schedule by November 27, 2025. While attendance at the October 7, 2025, grant application workshop is not mandatory, it is strongly encouraged as it offers an overview of the application process and emphasizes the importance of interdepartmental coordination with relevant city agencies such as Parks, Engineering, and Transportation. Successful applications must also include documentation of support from neighborhood residents and leadership teams. A detailed scoring rubric guides the evaluation process, assessing factors such as project clarity, community need and benefit, neighborhood support, financial feasibility, and sustainability. Applications will be reviewed between December and February, with awards and contract execution anticipated between March and April 2026. Projects will be scored by the Neighborhood Improvement Grant Committee, and only the highest-scoring proposals may receive full funding; partial awards are also possible. This grant program operates on a reimbursement basis. Awardees may utilize purchase orders with specific vendors, complete city claim forms for reimbursement, or arrange interdepartmental transfers for eligible expenses. Ineligible uses of funds include general operational support, direct social services, individual grants or scholarships, maintenance activities, business promotion, or alcohol-related permits. Each funded project must provide quarterly progress reports including budget updates, narrative summaries, and project management documentation. If at any point the project becomes unfeasible or requires adjustments in scope or leadership, grantees must notify Missoula Neighborhoods in writing. For questions or assistance during the application process, applicants may contact Neighborhoods Specialists Kalina Pritchard or Melissa Glueckert at the provided phone numbers and email addresses.

Attend workshop and coordinate with city agencies early. Secure strong neighborhood support.