City of Grand Rapids Allocates $78,000 of Neighborhood Match Fund Dollars to "Community Focused" Projects
On Thursday, the City of Grand Rapids sent out a press release to announce that it had allocated $78,000 in Neighborhood Match Fund (NMF) dollars towards 25 individual projects proposed by GR residents and/or local community organizations. According to Thursday's release, each of these project applications met the NMF's requirements of being "community focused, inclusive and [promotive of] a deeper sense of belonging among neighbors."
These contracts, which were approved by the City's Neighborhood Match Fund team, address a wide variety of issues (including mental health, community engagement, education, public health, cultural expression, youth outreach, and more). Some of these approved projects have already begun, while others are yet to come.
The list of projects that was included in the press release can be viewed below:
| PROJECT | ORGANIZATION | WHEN |
| Anishinaabe Circle 28th Annual Sobriety Walk | Anishinaabe Circle | June 10 |
| Gather and Share 49507: "What Flavor is Your Story?" | Alger Garfield Neighbors Collaborative | February 2, April 20 |
| Boston Square Fair | Boston Square Neighborhood Association | July 8 |
| Fostering Mental Health and Awareness: Encouraging Healthy Latinx Adolescents | Puertas Abiertas Inc. | March 1 |
| Grady's Garden at Stocking Elementary | Stocking Elementary School | April 27 |
| Fulton Heights Community Sign | Fulton Heights Neighborhood Association | March (kickoff) |
| Tierra de sol y sombra gr | N/A | August |
| Victory Gardens | N/A | May |
| Grand Rapids United Rocket Football League | Grand Rapids United Rocket Football League | August 19 |
| GR-MiFi Podcast Initiative | Grand Rapids Media and Film Incubator | March 20 (kickoff) |
| A Dreams Tea | Dream K.I.M. | May 6 |
| Grand Rapids Community Juneteenth Parade Dickinson Park Dunumba | N/A | June 19 |
| A Prom for Me | Aim to Inspire | May 13 |
| I Matter We Matter | N/A | March, April |
| King Park Neighbors Block Champion Program | Martin Luther King Park Neighborhood Association | March (kickoff) |
| Youth Voices Raising Awareness | Grand Rapids Initiative for Leaders | March (kickoff) |
| A.rtists and M.usicians P.rocessing T.ogether (A.M.P.T.) | N/A | June 11 |
| Community Baby Shower | Great Start Parent Coalition | July 22 |
| Early Education Equity Fair | N/A | May |
| Living Green in Creston Culturally Competent Gardening Workshops | Creston Neighborhood Association |
June (kickoff) |
| Felons Do It Better (#PitchBetter) | N/A | June 1 |
| Swim 1922 | Eta Pi Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated | June 24 |
| Grand Rapids Area Mutual Aid Network | Grand Rapids Area Mutual Aid Network | --- |
| Grand Rapids African American Arts and Music Festival | Grand Rapids African American Arts and Music Festival | July (kickoff) |
| Community Artist Series | N/A | March - August |
Applications for NMF FY2024 projects can be submitted to the City beginning on Thursday, June 1.
For more information, visit the City of Grand Rapids Neighborhood Match Fund's website.
Humane Society of West Michigan Seeking Volunteers, Supplies During "Kitten Season"
The Humane Society of West Michigan has announced that it is looking for support in the form of foster volunteers and supplies from the Grand Rapids community during "Kitten Season."
As temperatures continue to rise and the weather becomes increasingly "spring-like," animal shelters across the country are seeing a drastic increase in the amount of felines of all ages entering their facilities. In many cases, these cats and kittens require increased levels of care -- including regular bottle feedings, socialization, and veterinary treatments. As such, the community plays a vital role in ensuring that each feline has the support they need to thrive. According to Brianna Shahly, the Humane Society of West Michigan's Marketing & Communications Coordinator:
"As a 100% donor-funded non-profit, Humane Society of West Michigan can't care for the thousands of kittens that come through our doors without [the community's] help... Together we can save so many vulnerable lives, and ensure that every kitten gets the chance they deserve at a loving home to call their own!"
Those interested in becoming fosters can learn more on the Humane Society of West Michigan's website. Training and supplies are provided.
Additional information can also be found on the Humane Society of West Michigan's website.
Also in the News:
- The City of Grand Rapids has announced a number of upcoming road closures and detours ahead of "road construction season." For the full list of upcoming closures, visit the City's website.
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