Good Neighbor Grant

The Good Neighbor Grant for Environmental and Beautification Placemaking Initiatives is administered by the James City County Clean County Commission, a local entity affiliated with Keep America Beautiful. The Commission works in partnership with community volunteers to advance sustainability, waste reduction, and neighborhood beautification efforts throughout James City County, Virginia. The program is designed to encourage grassroots participation in improving shared community spaces while fostering environmental stewardship and civic engagement. The primary purpose of the grant is to enhance both the environmental quality and sense of community within neighborhoods through sustainable planning and implementation of localized projects. Funding supports initiatives that improve communal spaces such as landscaping, erosion control, native plant installation, and placemaking enhancements. The program emphasizes projects that contribute to long-term environmental wellness, including water conservation, habitat support through native vegetation, and reduction of negative environmental impacts. Previous examples include community gardens, trail improvements, composting initiatives, and landscaping of shared recreational areas. Grant funding is structured as a matching program with awards up to 500 dollars per project, distributed on a reimbursable basis. Awardees receive 50 percent of funds upfront and the remaining 50 percent after successful project completion and submission of required documentation. Applicants must provide a dollar for dollar match, which may include volunteer labor valued at a specified hourly rate, in kind contributions, or cash donations. All funded projects must also include a litter cleanup component conducted within the neighborhood during the project period, reinforcing the program’s environmental goals. Eligibility is limited to neighborhood associations, homeowner associations, or community groups within James City County. Applications from neighborhoods without formal associations are permitted but must include signatures from at least two residents and a majority of adjacent property owners. Applicants are required to submit a complete application packet including a project description, budget, before photos, and supporting documentation such as letters of intent from partners when applicable. Governing officials or committee members must formally endorse the application. The application process requires submission of materials to the Sustainability Coordinator either via email or physical delivery to the county office. Applications for the fiscal year cycle open on July 1 and must be submitted by September 15 at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Applicants may request a preliminary review of their submission prior to the deadline. Award decisions are made by Clean County Commissioners, with notifications expected in October following the review process. Evaluation criteria focus on community benefit, level of community involvement, sustainability practices, and the effectiveness of environmental measures implemented. Projects are assessed for their ability to support healthy habitats, incorporate native plants, reduce water runoff, and promote environmental responsibility. Selected applicants must complete their projects and submit a Project Completion Report by April 30 of the following year, including receipts, photos, and documentation of litter cleanup activities. The program operates on an annual cycle, with recurring funding opportunities each fiscal year. Awardees are also required to maintain records of volunteer participation and partner contributions for a period of five years. Contact for the program is managed through the James City County Public Works Sustainability Coordinator, who provides guidance, application support, and technical assistance, including access to master gardener expertise for plant selection and sustainable practices.

Emphasize strong community involvement measurable environmental impact use of native plants and clear sustainability practices align project with evaluation criteria such as water conservation and habitat support