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Neighborhood Beautification Program (NBP)

Neighborhood Beautification Program Flyer
Click to Download
Lot Licensing Program Flyer
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The Neighborhood Beautification Program (NBP) grant provides funding to Detroit-based neighborhood associations, block clubs, and partnering* faith-based organizations or non-profit organizations that currently own vacant lots or wish to lease vacant lots from the Detroit Land Bank (up to 4) to carry out a project in their community.

NBP has three eligible project areas: Clean-up Activities, Community Gardens, and Public Space Improvements.

Funding is also available for clean-up activities on neighborhood lots leased from the DLBA through the Lot Licensing Program.

Grant awards range from $500 to $15,000.

*Non-profit organizations and faith-based organizations need to partner with a neighborhood block club within 1 mile of their facility.

2023 Application will be open from February 8th-March 17th
Information Session Flyer
Register in advance for the Information Session on January 25th or the Permitting + Plot Planning session on February 1st.
Click to Download

Prepare for the 2023 Application Cycle

HOW TO APPLY FOR NBP GRANT

Do you own lots?

If your organization owns lots 
please follow these steps:

Don't own lots?

If you want to do a clean up project,
but don’t own lots,
please follow these steps:

COMMUNITY GARDENS

  • Raised beds for flowers, vegetables, or crops (< 1 acre)
  • Fruit trees (< 10 trees)
  • Ornamental gardens

PUBLIC SPACE IMPROVEMENTS
  • Landscaping (trees, flowers, shrubs, etc.)
  • Benches and tables
  • Art installations
  • Fencing or boulders

CLEAN-UP ACTIVITIES

  • Brush clearing
  • Grading and seeding
  • Street/alley clean-ups
  • Graffiti removal
  • Litter removal

Project related administrative costs (<10%), insurance, contractor or design fees

  • Research what you need to buy and how much it will cost. Save quotes, screenshots. You will need to “show your work” on the application, by uploading quotes & screenshots that support your budget.
  • The following CANNOT be covered by this grant:
      • Construction, building rehab
      • Water features (rain barrels, irrigation systems)
      • Poured cement slabs
      • Community services, events or programs
      • Sheds, shipping containers or hoop houses 
      • Street/alley activations
  • For a complete list of disallowable costs, please check the Program Guidelines.
  •  Plot plans are measured drawings of your property that show the location of existing and proposed features of your project.

  • They are used by the Buildings, Safety, Engineering, and Environmental Department (BSEED) to permit your project.

  • You should include the following:

      • Property lines

      • The length and width of your parcels

      • Locations of sidewalks, streets, and alleys

      • Existing features

      • Proposed features,

      • Features to be removed

      • Five-foot setbacks between your property lines and any garden features

      • Labels

  • For more information, click here
    or contact us for help!

Applications Open from February 8th – March 17th

The DLBA is partnering with the City of Detroit to offer temporary licenses to Block Clubs and Community Groups to conduct clean-up projects on DLBA owned lots. Lot Licenses will provide short-term access to DLBA owned lots for the duration of the clean-up activities. Lot Licensing applicants are required to apply for clean-up funds through the City of Detroit’s Neighborhood Beautification Program. Click here to find lots in your area.

Clean-Ups Only!

CLEAN-UP ACTIVITIES

  • Brush clearing
  • Grading and seeding
  • Street/alley clean-ups
  • Graffiti removal
  • Litter removal
  • Research what you need to buy and how much it will cost. Save quotes, screenshots. You will need to “show your work” on the application, by uploading quotes & screenshots that support your budget.
  • The following CANNOT be covered by this grant:
      • Construction, building rehab
      • Water features (rain barrels, irrigation systems)
      • Poured cement slabs
      • Community services, events or programs
      • Sheds, shipping containers or hoop houses 
      • Street/alley activations
  • For a complete list of disallowable costs, please check the Program Guidelines.
  •  Plot plans are measured drawings of your property that show the location of existing and proposed features of your project.

  • They are used by the Buildings, Safety, Engineering, and Environmental Department (BSEED) to permit your project.

  • You should include the following:

      • Property lines

      • The length and width of your parcels

      • Locations of sidewalks, streets, and alleys

      • Existing features

      • Proposed features,

      • Features to be removed

      • Five-foot setbacks between your property lines and any garden features

      • Labels

  • For more information, click here
    or contact us for help!

Applications Open from February 8th – March 17th

RESOURCES

Information Session Slide Deck
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD
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Neigborhood Beautification Program Grant
2022 APPLICATION RESOURCES

Take advantage of Application Support:
  • VIEW THE GRANT GUIDELINES HERE
    • Applications will be reviewed and awarded on a rolling basis.  Ensure your application is complete, by carefully reviewing the Grant Guidelines and preparing all necessary documentation.
  • Attend an Information Session
    • TBD
  • Schedule a 1-1 Appointment
    • In person and virtual appointments are available for technical assistance regarding obtaining an LLC, support navigating the application, and access to the internet and computer/laptop. Email NBG@waynemetro.org or call the Participatory Grantmaking Team at (313) 388-9799
  • Must be a registered block club with the City of Detroit Department of Neighborhoods.

  • To receive funds, all applicants (even if approved by the Department of Neighborhoods) must be a NonProfit 501(c)(3) organization to receive grant funds.

  • If the applicant is a 501 (c)(3) organization, move to Step 2. If you do not have a 501 (c)(3) designation, you may partner with one in your community.

If applicant already owns the vacant lot(s), move to Step 3.

Please note: The property owned must be in the name of a legal entity with the same name as the applicant organization.

  • Questions about obtaining an LLC or transferring a deed to an LLC?
    Please contact NBG@waynemetro.org

If applicant does not own vacant lot(s), go to Detroit Land Bank Authority:

Clean-Up Activities

    • Vacant Lot Cleanup

    • Graffiti Removal/Public Space

    • Street Cleanup

    • Litter Removal/CLB, City Lot/Public Spaces

Community Gardens

    • Raised-Bed Flower Gardens, Living Fences

    • Tree Planting

    • Street Cleanup

    • Litter Removal/CLB, City Lot/Public Spaces
  •  

Public Space Activities 

  • Community Owned and Managed Park Improvements

  • Neighborhood Beautification Projects/Public Space

  • Park and Playground Seating

  • Gathering Spots (pocket parks, seating, benches and picnic tables)

  • Art Installation (murals and public art)

Applications will be reviewed and awarded on a rolling basis.  Ensure your application is complete, by carefully reviewing the Grant Guidelines and preparing all necessary documentation.
VIEW THE GRANT GUIDELINES HERE

Questions? Contact Samuel Coons or Karmel Reeves at Samuel.coons@detroitmi.gov or Karmel.Reeves@detroitmi.gov

Weekly Neighborhood Beautification Program Office Hours

Click the links below to join (no registration required)

• Wednesdays  9 – 11 AM

• Fridays 11 AM – 1 PM

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