BLOOMINGTON – The City of Bloomington has opened applications for the 2026 Sustainable Neighborhoods Grant, a funding opportunity designed to support small-scale neighborhood projects that advance the goals of the City’s Climate Action Plan.
“The City is here to support the community’s climate action ideas by providing the financial means to take the first step,” said Jolie Perry, Sustainability Program Coordinator. “We run this grant program to offer residents the resources to meet the unique needs of their neighborhood.”
A project team of at least four Bloomington residents with a designated project liaison may apply for a grant of up to $1,000 for projects that strengthen climate resilience or sustainability in their area. The project team may partner with a local organization to apply on their behalf.
Projects that may qualify for a Sustainable Neighborhoods Grant include, but are not limited to:
- Building a community garden to share locally-grown food
- Installing a rain garden to reduce stormwater runoff
- Planting a native pollinator garden or native trees
- Installing a neighborhood organic waste collection box for composting
- Updating the energy efficiency of neighborhood assets
- Installing solar for communal neighborhood buildings
- Purchasing electric-powered lawn equipment for neighborhood upkeep
- Buying a group TerraCycling box
- Hosting an educational campaign with local experts on a sustainable topic, such as home weatherization DIY, vehicle maintenance, or native landscaping
Successful applications will include a detailed project description with a budget, timeline, and letters of commitment from all involved persons or organizations. Projects must be completed within one year, and follow-up reporting is required.
The grant is open to projects within Bloomington city limits. The project team is not required to live in a defined neighborhood area or neighborhood association, but should demonstrate that all team members live in the vicinity of the project and will share the project benefits among neighboring residents.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until November 15, 2026, or the $10,000 budget is fully allocated.
The complete Sustainable Neighborhoods Grant program guidelines and application are listed online at bloomington.in.gov/sustainability/neighborhood-grants.
