Neighborhood Enrichment Grants
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 can be sent via email to NIP@richlandcountysc.gov using subject line "NEGP Application" or in person at Richland County Administration Building, 2020 Hampton St. Columbia, SC 29204 (1st Floor).
Application Submittal Period
December 1, 2024 - February 2, 2025
The application submittal period opens on December 1, 2024, at 8:30am. All applications must be received by NIP no later than 11:59 pm on February 2, 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted.
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 after the first training session.
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. Masks are recommended. For those who cannot attend, one-on-one Training Sessions can be scheduled by calling or emailing NIP Staff. Workshop registration and appointments can be made by contacting staff at NIP@richlandcountysc.gov. See the following for dates and times:
- November 14th - 10am-11:30am
- November 14th - 2pm-3:30pm
- December 12th - 10am-11:30am
- December 12th - 6pm-7:30pm
- January 9th - 2pm-3:30pm
- January 9th - 6pm-7:30pm
- January 16th - 2pm-3:30pm
- January 16th - 6pm-7:30pm
Grant Training Sessions Flyer(PDF, 348KB)
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 Applicants
Any neighborhood-based organization located in Richland County (incorporated or unincorporated) is an eligible applicant. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Neighborhood Associations
- Homeowners Associations
- Property Owners Associations
- 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:
- Churches
- Religious organizations
- Apartment management companies
- Businesses
- Umbrella organizations
- County wide organizations
- College/University Greek Organizations
- Colleges and Universities
- Political groups
- Public agencies
Resources and Documents
FY 25-26
FY 24-25
Resources
Contact Us
Community Planning & Development Front Desk
Neighborhood Improvement Program
2020 Hampton St
Columbia, SC 29204
Phone: 803-576-2190
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
Staff
Essence Holmes
Neighborhood Planner
Phone: 803-576-2194
Christopher 'Marc' Ridlehoover
Neighborhood Planner
Phone: 803-576-1340
Cheryl Deas
Neighborhood Coordinator
Phone: 803-576-2144