The purpose of this grant program is to strengthen neighborhood associations and communities which they serve. Neighborhoods must have a Neighborhood Action Plan adopted by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). Applications must demonstrate community support and involvement in both the application and implementation phases of proposed projects/programs. The grants are designed to assist in strengthening and sustaining the social network of the Manatee County community while dealing creatively to address cultural, security, beautification, recreation, and family/ youth issues through resident- driven activities within neighborhoods. Manatee County’s Neighborhood Action Plan Grant (NAPG) provides grants of up to $10,000 to neighborhoods. Grants are awarded on a rolling basis as long as funds last. Projects must be completed within 12 months of receiving funding. Grants may be awarded for any one-time improvement project, activities, or events with a clear public benefit. 

Neighborhood Action Plans are long-range plans adopted by the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners and used by County Departments; the plan gives the County and its departments a collective document outlining the neighborhood’s values and priorities. An Action Plan enables a neighborhood to create an internal vision and define the steps to achieve goals.   

Applications are open for neighborhoods who have an adopted Neighborhood Action Plan. Neighborhood groups or associations, crime watch groups, or non-profit group partnered with a neighborhood and working towards its enhancement located within the following areas in Manatee County may qualify. Groups must be comprised of neighborhood residents and stakeholders, and the project or event must be held in the same neighborhood. Groups are asked to register for Neighborhood Connections Magazine, sign up to be a neighborhood contact and send a neighborhood representative to attend Manatee County’s Annual Neighborhood Summit. 

The Neighborhood Action Plan Grant specifically targets neighborhoods that have an adopted Neighborhood Action Plan; neighborhoods in Washington Park, Parrish, Rubonia, Bayshore Gardens and Samoset. The grant level for the NAPG includes a no community matching requirement and grants are awarded up to $10,000.  

The Neighborhood Enhancement Grant does not require an adopted Neighborhood Action Plan and is open for all neighborhoods in Manatee County. Grant levels for the NEG, include Level I: $0- $1,000 where there is no community matching required; Level II: $1,001- $10,000 where there is 1- for- 1 matching required for funding above $1,000 and matching may be in raised dollars or in-kind contributions (sweat equity).   

All grant funding must be for a public benefit.  

Grants are awarded up to $10,000 in funds for an association in a single fiscal year. 

• No community matching required  
• Must be a neighborhood-wide public benefit 

Please note: Grants are awarded up to $10,000 in matching funds for an association in a single fiscal year. Groups that have applied in previous years are eligible to apply again, however priority is awarded to new projects. Each neighborhood can only apply and/or benefit from the grant once per fiscal year. Additionally, neighborhoods are only permitted to apply and/or benefit from one Neighborhood Connections Division grant program per fiscal year.   

Priority shall be given to neighborhoods that pursue a project within their Neighborhood Action Plan. The following list is suggestive, not exhaustive, of projects that may fall within the spirit of the program. Projects must be neighborhood specific. Department director shall have final authority approving projects.  

Character:  “Placemaking” through the creation or enhancement of assets that are a source of pride and neighborhood identity . 

• Beautification (landscaping, art, clean-ups)  
• History (landmark restoration or other celebrations of the neighborhood’s past)  
• Appreciation programs (Yard of the Month, Neighborhood Hero)  
• Free Little Library Book Exchange  
• Social Events that bring neighbors together (block party, youth event, holiday party, etc.)  

Leadership: Training neighborhood leaders or teams, and developing skills, for neighborhood governance or action  

• Communication (directory, website, newsletter) 
• Workshops or conferences (tuition support, cost of instructional materials)
• Teambuilding experiences and exercises 

Safety: Equipping the neighborhood with knowledge or tools to prevent, prepare for, confront, or respond to incidences of crime, danger, or disaster.  

• Educational programming on pedestrian and bicycle safety  
• Community Emergency Response Team training & other disaster-preparedness exercises or resources  
• Neighborhood Watch (Start-up funds to purchase vests, flashlights, etc.)  
        

Environment: Protecting water & energy resources, and native plants & animals (Note: That only Florida-Friendly landscaping will be considered)  

• Improving water quality in our watersheds (ditches, canals, retention ponds)  
• Removing invasive species (Brazilian Peppers, Air Potato, etc.)  
• Habitat enhancement for native animals 

Health: Increasing access to nutritious diets, physical or mental fitness opportunities, or health education

• Community gardens 
• Trails, stretching stations, playgrounds, equipment storage, meditation gardens 
• Presentations from health professionals  

Please note: Eligible projects for gated communities would only include invasive species removal, or any projects that are outside of the gates (typically, landscaping and/or neighborhood sign replacements/repairs). 

Projects considered a county government function or responsibility will be deemed ineligible. The following is a sample list of projects/programs that would not be eligible for funding:  

• Alcohol, tobacco, or controlled substances.  
• Beverages and food  
• Canal clean ups  
• Capital items (individual items that would require tracking by County asset management, excluding signage/surveillance camera equipment)  
• Community Centers   
• Computer hardware/software and other electronic devices and related equipment  
• Daily operating expenses and maintenance  
• Ditch clean ups  
• Drainage   
• Duplication of an existing public or private program  
• Expenditures or financial commitments made before the organization/parties have signed fully executed contract   
• Extending bus routes   
• Fines, penalties, and associated costs  
• Food/drink for festivals/celebrations  
• Funding for organizations located outside of Manatee County  
• Fundraising, investment management cost or employee salaries and other associated cost  
• Gift cards/gifts  
• Home improvements  
• Housing   
• Infrastructure   
• Interior repairs or improvements  
• Lift Station   
• Lodging fees and associated costs  
• Ongoing multi-year projects  
• Ongoing or operational costs (including salaries/personnel)  
• Operating expenses not directly related to the awarded project  
• Pedestrian walkways   
• Pedestrian warning lights   
• Private transportation expenses including mileage, gas, insurance, car rentals, etc.  
• Projects typically funded under other sources such as County (or City) department operating budgets, Capital Improvement Program, Community Development Block Grant Program  
• Projects which conflict with existing County plans/policies  
• Projects/programs already funded from another source (including current operating budgets)  
• Projects/programs that have already been completed  
• Railroad improvements   
• Roadway extensions and realignment   
• Salaries for administration  
• Safety signage and lighting   
• Sidewalks   
• Street Lighting   
• To replace funding lost from other funding sources  
• Traffic lighting   
• Transportation improvements   
• Trophies and awards and associated cost  
• Water and sewer infrastructure   
• Zoning  

Please check the following map to see if your neighborhood qualifies for the Neighborhood Action Plan Grant.

Neighborhood Action Plan Map (arcgis.com)

Please note that applicants are required to create a Neighborly account to access the application and additional required documentation for proceeding with the Neighborhood Action Plan Grant.

1.  Initial application. Submit the initial application below.
2. Site visit. County staff will visit the neighborhood to learn more about the project and to visit the project site. Once the project is deemed eligible, the neighborhood representative must complete the neighborhood site visit check list.
3. Submit paperwork. The neighborhood will submit their: W9, meeting minutes, 3 bids, and budget through Neighborly.
4. Review. The NAPG committee will review the application. If approved, it will be scheduled to be on the next available Board of County Commissioner's meeting agenda.
5. BOCC approval. At the Board of County Commissioners meeting, the Board will approve/reject the agenda item.
6. Sign agreement. Staff will contact the neighborhood to sign the agreement. Please be advised, no improvements/work can start before having a fully executed contract (all parties have signed).
7. Complete the work. The neighborhood will have a year from the signature date of the reimbursement agreement to complete the project. No improvements/work started prior to this date will be reimbursable. 

Remember, there is no deadline to apply for the grant, but first come, first serve until grant funding runs out. After the application has been submitted, staff will be in contact to set up a site visit. Please be advised, no improvements/work can start before having a fully executed contract (all parties have signed). Apply here.