Neighborhood Enrichment Grant Program (NEGP)
FY 22-23
About
The Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) created the Neighborhood Enrichment Grant Program (NEGP) to provide grants to neighborhood organizations in Richland County. The goal of the NEGP is to promote leadership, independence, and overall improvement within individuals and their community through enrichment projects. The Neighborhood Enrichment Grant Program brings about new changes: tiered funding, no required matches, no required volunteer hours, new project categories, increased project eligibility, more planning resources, and an easier application process. As of June 30th, 2022, the Neighborhood Matching Grant will be terminated.
Neighborhood organizations within Richland County are encouraged to submit applications for the NEGP that focus on at least one or more of the four project categories: Neighborhood Beautification, Community Engagement, Safety & Health, and Leisure. All grants are approved by Richland County Council.
For more information, review the NEGP Guidelines under the 'Resources and Documents' section.
How to Apply
To apply for the Neighborhood Enrichment Grant, download the application below under "Resources and Documents". Applications are preferred to be sent by email to NIP@richlandcountysc.gov or in person at Richland County Administration Building, 2020 Hampton St. Columbia, SC 29204 (1st Floor).
Application Submittal Period (December 1, 2021 - February 6, 2022)
The application submittal period opens on December 1, 2021, at 8:30am. All applications must be received by NIP no later than 11:59 pm on February 6, 2022. Late submissions will not be accepted by NIP staff.
Neighborhood Enrichment Grant Training Sessions
Interested applicants are recommended to attend the Neighborhood Enrichment Grant Training Sessions to help prepare for the upcoming grant cycle. A copy of the NEGP Training PowerPoint will be available soon for those that cannot attend.
This fiscal year, NEGP Training Sessions will be held in person inside the 4th Floor Conference Room at Richland County Administration Building, 2020 Hampton St. unless otherwise stated. Social distancing will take place and masks are required. One-on-One NEGP Training Session phone calls with staff are available upon request. Workshop registration and appointments can be made by contacting staff at NIP@richlandcountysc.gov. See below for dates and times:
November 17th - 2pm-4pm (Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, 2020 Hampton St.)
November 17th - 6pm-8pm (Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, 2020 Hampton St.)
December 1st - 1pm-3pm
December 1st - 6pm-8pm
January 5th - 10am-12pm
January 5th - 6pm-8pm
January 12th - 2pm 4pm
January 12th - 6pm-8pm
NEGP Overview
See the NEGP Guidelines under 'Resources and Documents' for more detailed information.
Funding
The Neighborhood Enrichment Grant Program introduces funding tiers: Tier 1 and Tier 2. Tier 1 funding is for neighborhood organizations that live outside low-to-moderate income areas. Their funding is maxed at $1,500 per fiscal year. Tier 2 funding is for neighborhood organizations that live within Low-to-Medium Income (LMI) areas. Their funding is maxed at $2,500 per fiscal year. See the online interactive Tier Funding Map to determine which tier your neighborhood is eligible for.
Eligible Projects
Eligible projects must provide a public benefit to the neighborhood and its residents, involve neighborhood people directly in all phases, and be achievable before June 30th the following award year. Projects should fit into at least one or more of the following four categories:
Neighborhood Beautification: Projects that improve the overall aesthetic of the neighborhood
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Neighborhood Signs
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Neighborhood Bulletin Board
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Banners/flags in public areas
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Placemaking markers/monuments
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Park repairs**
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Neighborhood Clean-up
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Lighting improvements
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Bush/Flower Planting*
Community Engagement: Projects that bring the community together
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Neighborhood Clean-Up Day
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Generational Day
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Community Resource Fair
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Back to School Drive
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Membership Drive
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Newsletters & Websites
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After School Programs (tutoring, cultural arts, etc.)
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Community Gardens
Safety & Health: Projects that improve the safety and health of everyone in the neighborhood
- Safety Fair
- Surveillance Cameras
- Trash Cans/Pet Poop Trash Cans
- Community Resource Fair
- Gates/Locks
- 5K marathon
- Lighting improvements
- Emergency preparedness giveaway
- Updating playground equipment
- Defense classes
- Clean Ups
- Community Gardens
- Traffic calming methods (i.e. ‘Children at Play’ signs)
Leisure: Projects that are just for fun
- NNO
- Festivals
- Outdoor/Drive In Movie Event
- Picnic in the Park
- Family Fun Day
- Block Parties
- Little Free Library
Considerations for specific project types:
*Plants cannot be more than 4 feet tall at maturity
**Park must not be owned by City of Columbia
Ineligible Projects
Examples of ineligible projects include, but are not limited to:
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Operating expenses (rent, utilities, salaries, maintenance bills, insurance)
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Fundraising
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Alcohol
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Equipment for businesses/schools/government departments
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Funding towards savings accounts
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Scholarships
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Funding towards schools, public agencies, and other non-profits
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Expenses incurred prior to the grant award date
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Personal computers and personal computer supplies
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Operating budget expenses
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Purchasing computers or software materials
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Printing on personal computers
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Salaries/honorariums
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Mailboxes
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Monthly maintenance expenses
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Home repairs for personal property
Eligible Applicants
Any neighborhood-based organization located in Richland County (incorporated or unincorporated) is an eligible applicant. This includes, but is not limited to:
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Neighborhood Associations
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Homeowners Associations
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Property Owners Associations
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Other like neighborhood-based associations and related groups
Ineligible Applicants
Any group that is not a neighborhood-based organization and/or located outside of Richland County is an ineligible applicant. This includes but is not limited to:
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Churches
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Religious organizations
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Apartment management companies
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Businesses
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Umbrella organizations
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County wide organizations
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College/University Greek Organizations
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Colleges and Universities
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Political groups
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Public agencies
Resources and Documents
Grant Closeout Report
Check Request and Agreement
Sample Termination Grant Letter
NEGP FY 22-23 Guidelines (PDF) Updated 2.8.22
Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
NEGP FY22-23 Application (PDF fillable) Updated 12.14.21
Sample NEGP Application (PDF)
IRS W-9 (PDF fillable)
NEGP FY22-23 Tier Funding Map (link)
NEGP FY22-23 Tier Funding Map (JPEG)
Telephonic Quote (PDF fillable)
In-Kind Donation Letter of Intent (PDF fillable)
NEGP Training Powerpoint
Neighborhood Improvement Program Logo (JPG)
Neighborhood Improvement Program Logo (PNG)
Community Planning & Development Logo (JPEG)
Community Planning & Development Logo (PNG)
Contact Information
Community Planning & Development Front Desk
Neighborhood Improvement Program
Phone: 803-576-2190
Fax: 803-576-2182
Essence Holmes, Neighborhood Planner
Phone: 803-576-2194
Fax: 803-576-2182
Email: NIP@richlandcountysc.gov
Christopher 'Marc' Ridlehoover, Neighborhood Planner
Phone: 803-576-1340
Fax: 803-576-2182
Email: NIP@richlandcountysc.gov
Cheryl Deas, Neighborhood Coordinator
Phone: 803-576-2144
Fax: 803-576-2182
Email: NIP@richlandcountysc.gov
Mailing Address:
Richland County Community Planning & Development
Neighborhood Improvement Program
P.O. Box 192
Columbia, SC, 29202
Physical Address:
Richland County Community Planning & Development
Neighborhood Improvement Program
2020 Hampton St, Columbia, SC 29204