Mayor Duggan, City leaders announce key application dates for Spring 2025 Neighborhood Beautification Program
- Block clubs, neighborhood associations, nonprofit organizations, and faith-based groups can apply for grants ranging from $500 to $15,000.
- Application window closes December 13
- Grants can be used for community gardens, public space improvements, and clean-up activities.
Applications are open for Detroit neighborhood organizations to apply for the next round of Neighborhood Beautification Program (NBP) grants, which awards grants ranging from $500 to $15,000 to beautify vacant land across the city.
The NBP provides funding for Detroit-based block clubs, neighborhood associations, nonprofit organizations, and faith-based groups that currently own vacant land to carry out a project in the community. For those who hope to participate but do not yet own land, NBP staff can assist organizations with leasing lots owned by the Detroit Land Bank Authority.
Since the program’s inception over 155 organizations have received funding, with a total investment of more than $2.21million. $1.5 million in grants remain available through 2025.
NBP grants support three types of projects:
- Community Gardens
- Public Space Improvements
- Clean-Up Activities
Mayor Mike Duggan joined council members, HRD, and other community leaders at the North Rosedale Park Community House. NBP grant funding helped with public space improvements of the seven-acre park that surrounds the historic building.
"Neighborhood beautification is really driven by residents,” said Mayor Duggan. “Detroiters take such pride in their communities and so we wanted to provide them with an opportunity to beautify their neighborhood in a way that is very unique and personal to them. The Neighborhood Beautification Grant program gives them that opportunities and now is the time for block clubs, nonprofits and community associations to submit their ideas."
The NBP is part of the Neighborhood Improvement Fund (NIF), which was championed by Council President Mary Sheffield as part of the development deal for the Detroit Pistons’ new headquarters and training facility in District 5. NIF dollars are derived from the net income tax revenue collected from NBA players’ salaries during home games played at Little Caesars Arena and the salaries of Pistons and Palace Sports & Entertainment employees.
The initial funding for the NBP was $2 million, including $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding and $1 million in NIF funding. In August 2023, Mayor Duggan and Council President Sheffield announced an additional $2.5 million in ARPA funding to extend the program through 2025.
"The Neighborhood Beautification Program is a powerful tool in our ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life for Detroiters,” said Council President Mary Sheffield. “This initiative not only empowers our block clubs, neighborhood associations, nonprofit organizations, and faith-based groups, but also brings our communities together to take pride in and care for the spaces that matter to their neighborhoods most. I encourage all eligible organizations to apply for these grants, and I look forward to seeing the creative ways Detroiters continue to transform our city into a more vibrant, welcoming place for all."
Organizations must complete an online application through Wayne Metropolitan. Applications are open through December 13. Winners will be announced in Spring 2025.
“The value of the Neighborhood Beautification Program lies in its ability to highlight the rich culture and beauty found throughout this vibrant city,” said Chris Hicks, Director of Empowerment and Integration at Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency. “The program enables community organizations to consistently enhance their neighborhoods, fostering a sense of belonging and making each area feel like home.”
Community Pride
The Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation (GRDC) is just one of the local nonprofits that has used NBP funds to preserve and improve their community spaces. The organization represents five neighborhoods in Northwest Detroit: Grandmont, North Rosedale Park, Minock Park, Rosedale Park and Grandmont No. 1.
“GRDC proudly supports a variety of resident-led initiatives across the five neighborhoods we serve, fostering partnerships that invigorate, inspire, and cultivate a deeper sense of pride in our community,” said Mike Randall, Executive Director of the Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation. “Our commitment extends to conducting various beautification projects such as the overhaul, clean-up, and repurposing of vacant lots and providing tools and supplies that empower our community members to continue beautification efforts independently. In Grandmont Rosedale, with its nearly 5,500 homes, spaces like the Community House and park symbolized a neighborhood's heart, hosting sporting events, an annual field day, and many other events throughout the year. Together, we continue to build a stronger, more connected place to live, work and place.”
The GRDC supports several resident initiatives in the five neighborhoods, including The Vacant Property Task Force. The group began at the start of the housing market crash in 2008, with the goal to keep neighbors in their homes and the community stable.
The GRDC also provides resources to small businesses and has run the Northwest Detroit Farmers’ Market for nearly 20 years.
North Rosedale Park has close to 1,700 homes, with the Community House serving as the heart of the neighborhood. The park surrounding the meeting place is home to a soccer and little league and hosts several community events throughout the year.
“Thanks to the generous support from the Neighborhood Beautification Program, overseen by Tamra Fountaine Hardy of the City of Detroit’s Housing & Revitalization Department, Director of the Neighborhood Services Division and administered by Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency, our grounds have undergone a remarkable transformation,” said Beverly Frederick, President of the North Rosedale Park Civic Association. “This funding allowed us to revitalize our baseball diamond, where the Rosedale Little League has practiced and played for over 15 years. With the removal of weeds and a complete resurfacing, the field looks better than ever, providing a safe and beautiful space for our young athletes. We are profoundly grateful to Wayne Metro for making this incredible enhancement possible for our community.”
Powerful Partnerships
The Neighborhood Beautification Program is overseen by the City of Detroit’s Housing & Revitalization Department and administered by the Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency (Wayne Metro).
“Over the past four years, the Neighborhood Beautification Program has made a lasting and meaningful impact on our community,” said Tamra Fountaine Hardy, Director, HRD, Neighborhood Services and Economic Development Division. “Its influence extends far beyond financial contributions, touching the lives of families, residents, and the neighborhood as a whole. Children now have a safe, welcoming space to play, while seniors enjoy a beautiful and secure environment for walking and socializing with fellow residents. The overall value of the neighborhoods has risen as well. Where there was once trash, we now see vibrant flowers; where dead trees once stood, flourishing gardens have emerged; and where overgrown grass once hindered movement, there are now well-maintained walking paths. This transformation has not only enhanced the physical landscape but has also fostered a stronger sense of community.”
Resources & Assistance for applicants
Neighborhood Beautification Program staff are available to answer questions about the application during NBP Office Hours:
For technical support with applications, organizations are encouraged to contact Wayne Metro. Information on lot licensing, permitting and more can be found on the Neighborhood Beautification Program website.
Pictured below: Before and after photos of the North Rosedale Park baseball diamond. Neighborhood Beautification Program grant money was used to clean up and restore the the field.
Before
After
