Northwest Wayne News

Applications are now open for the Neighborhood Beautification Program (NBP) in Detroit, which offers grants ranging from $500 to $15,000 to beautify vacant land across the city. The NBP is aimed at block clubs, neighborhood associations, nonprofit organizations, and faith-based groups that currently own vacant land and want to carry out a project in their community. For those who do not yet own land, the NBP staff can assist with purchasing or leasing lots owned by the Detroit Land Bank Authority.

The grants provided by the NBP can be used for three types of projects: community gardens, public space improvements, and clean-up activities. The program has been successful in the past, with 99 grants totaling $1.24 million awarded since Fall 2022. There is still $3.51 million in grants available through 2025.

The NBP is part of the Neighborhood Improvement Fund (NIF), which was established as part of the development deal for the Detroit Pistons' new headquarters and training facility in District 5. The NIF is funded by 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 $2.25 million, including $1.25 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding and $1 million in NIF funding. In August 2023, an additional $2.5 million in ARPA funding was announced to extend the program through 2025.

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). Tamra Fountaine Hardy, director of HRD's Neighborhood Services Division, expressed the importance of the program in turning blight into beauty. She stated, "We continue to work with neighborhood associations, block clubs, and nonprofits in the city who are interested in beautifying the spaces we live, work, and play in. We've had two very successful rounds of funding and look forward to even more Detroiters applying as we build our city back better than ever before."

To apply for the NBP grants, Detroit-based block clubs, neighborhood associations, nonprofit organizations, and faith-based groups can visit the website www.waynemetro.org/neighborhood-beautification-grant. Nonprofit organizations and faith-based groups must partner with a city-registered block club or neighborhood association to be eligible for funding. Block clubs and neighborhood associations must be incorporated as an LLC or a 501(c)(3), while nonprofit organizations and faith-based groups must be incorporated as a 501(c)(3).

For those seeking more information or assistance with the application process, NBP staff will be hosting information sessions and virtual office hours. The sessions will cover topics such as plot plans, permitting, and a Q&A session. Residents can also join the weekly virtual NBP office hours for help.