City of Lacey accepting 2026 Neighborhood Grant Program applications 

Homeowners associations (HOAs) and informal neighborhood groups in Lacey can now apply for up to $2,500 in city matching funds for safety, beautification and community building projects. 

The City of Lacey launched its 2026 Neighborhood Grant Program earlier this month with a $60,000 pool of money. Interested applicants have until March 31 to submit proposals. 

The Lacey City Council authorized the grant pool to encourage neighborhood activities that foster community pride, expand involvement and beautify the city. 

The program requires neighborhoods to match every city dollar awarded with their own contributions. 

Projects must fall under one of five categories, including neighborhood beautification and environmental sustainability or compassion efforts, such as National Night Out events and Little Free Library stations. 

Eligible matches include cash, donated materials valued at retail price, in-kind professional services at market rate or adult volunteer labor at $34.79 per hour. The hourly rate follows the Independent Sector's valuation of volunteer time from the preceding year. 

To vet applications, a review panel composed of city staffers from the communications, community, and economic development and parks maintenance departments are going to evaluate proposals and issue funding decisions during the week of April 20-24. 

All approved projects must be completed by Dec. 31, 2026. 

Informal neighborhood applicants must assemble a project team of at least five nonfamily-related individuals who live in the neighborhood, as well as complete a Project Team Log with the grant application. 

Additionally, each HOA or neighborhood group may submit only one proposal per year. 

For eligibility requirements and application details, visit the city's Neighborhood Programs page.