From building strong neighborhood connections to tackling neighborhood issues, the city of Aurora believes in the power of close-knit communities. The city offers funding opportunities to residents and neighborhood groups.

2025 Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program

The Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program is designed to improve the appearance of Aurora neighborhoods while strengthening the social fabric and organizational networks of the community. 

Like previous years, the city has allocated $60K for this program, with a maximum of $5,000 per awarded project. The competitive grants promote projects that improve a neighborhood’s physical condition, enhance pride and identity, increase neighborhood communication, and bring new assets to the neighborhood that foster gathering and positive experiences. Examples of projects include clean-up events, community message boards, community benches or community gardens.

Neighborhood organizations, businesses and residents (where a neighborhood organization may not exist) are encouraged to apply.

This grant can be used in conjunction with any of the mini-grants listed below. 

Eligibility 

Eligible projects must be within Aurora city limits, provide an identifiable benefit to the neighborhood, have a specific timeline, and involve at least three neighborhood households if not a neighborhood organization or businesses.   

Resources

• PowerPoint presentation about the grant program (PDF)
• Guidebook for Applicants (PDF)
• Recording of Pre-Application Meeting (Password: AuroraGrants1)

Ready to apply? 

To apply, follow these steps:

1. Attend one of three pre-application meetings or view recording to learn about the funding process:

• Meetings occurred in January 2025. View a recording above. 

2. Meet with a community engagement coordinator by March 21
Meet with a community engagement coordinator to discuss project logistics, including necessary city permits. Schedule your meeting by emailing [email protected]. 

3. Submit application 
Apply here. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. Friday, April 18. Selected projects must be completed by Friday, Oct. 31.

Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program Grantees: 

Neighborhood Mini-Grants Program

Each mini-grant supports neighborhood activities and is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Residents can apply to more than one grant and are encouraged to apply at least two weeks before their event. The grants do not fund religious, political or personal/private parties. Application for these grants are open until funding is depleted.