Kansas City, Missouri – Kansas City has announced the opening of applications for its annual Neighborhood Empowerment Grant Program, in what appears to be an effort to bolster neighborhood unity and enhance local engagement. This initiative, coordinated by the Neighborhood Service Department, is aimed to empower residents and enhance neighborhoods around the city through greater capacity building, crime prevention, and community development initiatives.
For the award cycle from May 2025 to April 2026, Kansas City communities have the chance to apply for funding of up to $25,000. These funds are targeted at assisting projects that promote local identity, facilitate critical repairs or upgrades for safety improvements, and inspire resident collaboration to establish stronger community relationships.
Applications for the grant are accepted from March 31 to April 25, 2025. This timeframe gives local organizations with a short opportunity to submit their proposals for initiatives that can make a major difference in their communities.
“Strong neighborhoods are the foundation of a thriving Kansas City,” said Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw. “The Neighborhood Empowerment Grant program is an investment in the people and places that make our city great-helping residents build safer, more connected communities. I encourage all eligible neighborhood organizations to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to make a lasting impact.”
To be eligible for these grants, applicants must be not-for-profit neighborhood groups or organizations registered both with the City of Kansas City through Neighborhoods Direct and with the State of Missouri. A certificate of good standing and a list of the organization’s board of directors or leadership team must accompany the application. Additionally, nonprofit partners may apply in combination with a neighborhood association, providing an MOU or letter of support is submitted when being approved.
The city additionally specifies that applicants must have fully utilized any previous grant funds to qualify for new funding. Furthermore, only one Empowerment Grant may be active per organization at any given moment, ensuring a wide distribution of funding across multiple community projects.
To aid potential applicants in understanding the application process and to answer any questions, the Neighborhood Services Department will offer a virtual Lunch and Learn event. This event is scheduled for April 9, 2025, from noon to 1 p.m., and the link to the virtual session will be available on the city’s official website at KCMO.gov/neighborhoods on the day of the event.
This grant program is part of a broader effort by the city to involve individuals in active community building and improvement, reflecting Kansas City’s commitment to promoting an environment where residents may thrive and contribute to the city’s overall prosperity and safety.
