Neighborhood Grant Program

The Neighborhood Grant Program, administered by the Council Neighborhoods Committee (CNC) of the City of Mountain View, reflects the city’s commitment to enhancing and revitalizing its neighborhoods by encouraging civic participation among its residents. This annual grant program offers financial support to resident-led neighborhood groups to foster community engagement and strengthen the social fabric of local neighborhoods through events, beautification projects, and other qualifying activities. The program encourages the formation of new neighborhood associations and supports existing ones with funding to plan and execute activities that improve neighborhood connection and vitality. The 2026–2027 application cycle opens on March 1, 2026, and closes on March 31, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time. All applications must be submitted via the online portal available at www.mountainview.gov/neighborhoodgrants. The CNC will hold a meeting on April 30, 2026, to evaluate public comments and make award decisions. The program's total budget is $50,000, with an additional $7,500 allocated specifically for first-time applicants. All awarded funds must be expended between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027. Unused funds will not carry over and must be spent within the designated fiscal year. Reimbursements are provided on a quarterly basis upon submission of appropriate documentation. Grants are awarded in tiers depending on the number of households represented by the applicant group, with Tier A providing up to $1,333 for neighborhoods with fewer than 500 households, and Tier D allowing up to $3,333 for neighborhoods with more than 1,501 households. Activities must benefit a defined neighborhood within Mountain View and be initiated by residents. Groups may include existing associations, informal groups, or new associations in formation, including mobile home park resident committees. However, special interest groups, individuals, businesses, religious or fraternal organizations, universities, and public agencies are not eligible as primary applicants. Eligible projects include neighborhood cleanups, tree planting, community events like block parties or ice cream socials, history research, capacity-building efforts such as leadership training, newsletter development, and outreach planning. Food-related expenses are permitted within strict limits: restaurant purchases must not exceed $10 per person, and food truck rentals are allowed. Applicants must form a team of at least four residents to coordinate the activity and report outcomes, including written and, if requested, oral summaries to the CNC. The CNC evaluates applications based on three criteria: the anticipated number of beneficiaries, the number of residents involved in organizing the event, and the quality of program design. Alternate projects are allowed if the original plan cannot be implemented, but they require prior approval and must align with the grant’s intent. Reimbursement requests must include dated receipts and are to be submitted quarterly using the designated online form. Events held in city parks or streets require appropriate permits, which can be obtained from the City’s Recreation or Police departments. For additional information, applicants may contact the program by emailing [email protected] or calling 650-903-6301. Detailed application forms, guidelines, and examples of past awardees are available on the program’s official website.

Follow eligible activity list closely. Apply early to allow time for permit processing. Avoid ineligible uses like political events or personal expenses.