Government > Housing and Community Development > Grant Programs > Community Quality of Life Grants

Community Quality of Life Grants

The City of Takoma Park is currently accepting Community Quality of Life Grant applications. Applications are open for FY24 funding. If you are not currently enrolled in our grants portal, click the link below to create an account and receive automated updates.

Click Here to Apply

Purpose

The City of Takoma Park’s Community Quality of Life Grants Program provides financial support for specific programs, projects, and events that improve the quality of life for city residents by providing greater access and opportunities for participation in the arts and sciences.

Eligible Projects

Eligible projects include:

Arts and Humanities (A&H) programs, projects, and events;
and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs, projects, and events.

Additionally, while not required, the City is encouraging applications for programming that connects arts and sciences with skills that promote workforce development and entrepreneurial programs for low-and-moderate-income Takoma Park residents.

Past grants have included: science and math clubs, robotics clubs, computer programming classes, concert and film series, public art, maker spaces, technology-based internships, and apprenticeship programs.

Recently funded programs:

Eligible Applicants

Funding is available to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and 501(c)(6) business associations. The use of a fiscal agent is permitted for those organizations that have applied for but have not yet secured their 501(c)(3) determination from the IRS. Individuals and for-profit enterprises are not eligible for funding.

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

Up to $110,000 in ARPA grant funds have been made available for Quality of Life Grants for programs, projects, and events that improve the quality of life for City residents.

Targeted Beneficiaries

The primary focus of the proposal is to provide a benefit to individuals and households with low and moderate incomes, defined as 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Specifically, at least 51% of participants must meet this income requirement, and at least 75% of the participants must be residents of the City of Takoma Park. For reference, the City of Takoma Park’s geographical boundaries can be found here.

Grant Awards

The City of Takoma Park Community Quality of Life Grants range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $10,000.

Match Requirement

$1 match per each $1 granted

For every dollar of grant funds provided by the City of Takoma Park, grantees must demonstrate a matched dollar of support from a separate source of funding or volunteer time. Matched funds may include donations from other funders, revenue, in-kind donations of goods or services that have a specific value, and documented volunteer hours.

Note: volunteer time in Maryland is currently valued at $32.82 per hour, as determined by Independent Sector.

Funding Limitations

Applicants are limited to one grant award per 12-month funding cycle. For this year’s cycle, all funded projects must be completed between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024.