Arlington Accepting 2026 Neighborhood Mini Grant Applications

Arlington County's Neighborhood Mini Grant (NMG) Program is now accepting applications through Friday, July 17, 2026. The program’s goals are to provide Arlington neighborhoods with funding opportunities to encourage community building through a variety of activities, programs, events, and projects that promote racial equity, diversity, and inclusion.  

The NMG Program will use up to $25,000 and the maximum grant amount is $1,000 per applicant. Each organization may apply once per year. 

“There are several community groups that could build connections and promote inclusion in their neighborhoods with a little financial help. The Neighborhood Mini Grant offers a formal opportunity for funding community-initiated projects that encourage volunteerism and strengthen relationships between residents,” Community Planning, Housing and Development Director Samia Byrd said. 

Eligible Activities and Potential Projects 

Eligible activities will be programs, events, or projects that increase neighborhood connections, build capacity, and support resident-led action by: 

• Promoting neighborhood pride and building community 

• Addressing a pressing neighborhood need or opportunity 

• Improving the neighborhood’s capacity to build civic and social capital 

• Strengthening relationships and improving communication between residents, community leaders, and other community organizations to benefit neighborhoods 

Potential projects could include, but are not limited to: 

• Community events (e.g., block parties, festivals) 

• Community engagement or outreach to promote inclusion and encourage involvement in community efforts and activities 

• Public health and safety activities (e.g., education, neighborhood clean-ups, walking, biking, yoga, safe routes to school)  

• Small-scale projects that encourage volunteerism and community building (e.g., beautification, building a little free library, community gardens) 

Eligible Applicants 

NMG Program funds can only be awarded to 501(c)(3) or (c)(4) organizations, civic associations, and community groups with tax identification numbers (EIN) located in Arlington County. If a group is interested in applying and does not have 501(c)(3) or (c)(4) status, they should consider obtaining 501(c)(3) or (c)(4) status or partnering with a qualifying 501(c)(3) or (c)(4) non-profit organization to serve as their fiscal sponsor or co-applicant and partner. This is a reimbursable grant. Eligible project expenses paid by the grantee or the co-applicant / fiscal sponsor may be reimbursed by grant funds.