Lacey neighborhoods eligible for grants up to $2,500

Lacey locals looking to fix up their streets, refresh parks or create gathering spots finally have a shot at making it happen. 

The 2025 Neighborhood Grant Program (LNGP) is now open to the public, giving residents a chance to secure up to $2,500 for local projects. 

According to the city government, the project has an allocation of $60,000 for projects. Applications must be submitted by Monday, March 31. 

Eligibility and matching requirements 

To guarantee neighborhoods take ownership of the improvements, the grant requires recipients to provide a dollar-for-dollar match through cash, donated materials or volunteer work. 

The city confirmed that it set the official rate for volunteer hours at $31.80, which communities can count hands-on labor toward the required contribution. 

Unlike ordinary funding programs, the grants do not cover routine maintenance or private property upgrades. Instead, they focus on initiatives with visible, collective benefits for residents. 

City officials made it clear the grants are designed for Homeowners Associations (HOAs) and informal neighborhood groups. 

While HOAs already function as legal entities, informal neighborhoods must form a five-member team of nonfamily residents willing to oversee the project. 

Grant categories and project ideas 

With community-driven improvements in mind, the grant program is structured around five themes: beautification, safety, environmental sustainability, organizational development and compassion initiatives. 

Public safety remains a priority category in the grant lineup. Under Safe Neighborhoods and Disaster Preparedness, residents may propose installing better lighting, Crime Stoppers signage or secure mailboxes. 

In terms of green-focused improvements, the city established the Environmental Sustainability and Resiliency category. Residents may pitch tree planting, rain gardens, solar lighting, water-wise landscaping, stormwater facility improvements, sprinkler system enhancements and others. The projects are expected to reduce ecological impact and improve public areas. 

For people looking to revamp the aesthetics of the outdoor spaces, the Neighborhood Beautification category opens the door for projects like "curb appeal" projects, murals, neighborhood art or monument signs, picnic or playground area makeovers, and others. 

Beyond physical enhancements, community leadership is also covered within the program’s scope. Grants under Board Education and Organizational Development help neighborhoods fund governance workshops, training sessions and better communication tools. 

The final category, Compassion Initiatives, funds projects centered on community outreach and togetherness. Events like National Night Out, Little Free Library stations, food drives and shared garden spaces fall into this section. 

Application process and deadline 

City officials have set clear boundaries for grant eligibility. 

The city government specified that grant funds cannot be utilized for HOA routine maintenance like monthly or recurring lawn care services, tree trimming, recurring mulch/topsoil installation and recurring stormwater facility maintenance. 

Grants are also off-limits to individuals, business groups, and political or religious organizations. 

Every proposal is required to adhere to city ordinances and nondiscrimination policies to ensure funds are used for inclusive, community-driven initiatives. 

Funding does not come without oversight. 

A review panel of city staff from the Communications, Community Development and Parks Maintenance departments will assess all applications based on impact, feasibility and adherence to program guidelines. 

The city will announce funding decisions between Monday, April 28 and Friday, May 2. Approved projects must be completed by Wednesday, Dec. 31. 

Neighborhoods that fail to complete their projects within the deadline risk disqualification from future grant opportunities, though city officials may consider exceptions for unique circumstances. 

People interested in applying should go to CityofLacey.org/HOA for details and submission forms. 

For questions, Community Relations Specialist Jenny Bauersfeld can be reached at 360-438-2621 or by email at jenny.bauersfeld@cityoflacey.org.