Kansas City, Missouri – Kansas City has taken another step toward making its neighborhoods stronger by announcing nearly $400,000 in grant money for a new round of community development initiatives. Twenty-six distinct neighborhood groups will each get a share of this investment. They will utilize the money to support local projects that aim to make life better and build community across the city.
Kansas City is giving money directly to residents and groups that know their neighborhoods, blocks, and problems best through this round of Neighborhood Empowerment Grants. The projects that will get money include a lot of community-led efforts, such as new traffic calming devices, tree trimming, neighborhood beautification projects, community gardens, and outreach programs. All of these projects are based on the ideas and needs of people who live in the area, so the funding will have real and visible effects in neighborhoods throughout Kansas City.
“The Neighborhood Empowerment Grant is an investment empowering neighborhoods with the resources they need,” said Mayor Quinton Lucas. “When we invest in our neighborhoods, we see real results, including safer streets, stronger connections, and innovative approaches that come directly from the people who know their communities best.”
“These investments reflect what’s possible when we support neighborhoods and give them the resources they need,” said Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw. “These grants back residents who are stepping up with ideas and solutions rooted in the needs of their own blocks. When neighbors lead, real change follows. Stronger neighborhoods build a stronger Kansas City, and that’s exactly what this investment is about.”
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The full list of grant recipients reveals just how broad the impact will be, with money going to groups like the Blue Valley Neighborhood Association, the Crossroads Community Association, the East Swope Highlands Neighborhood Association, and the Troostwood Neighborhood Association. Each group will work on initiatives that meet the needs and hopes of their community.
“This program shows the power of collaboration between our city and the people who know their neighborhoods best. When we invest directly in residents’ ideas, we’re funding meaningful projects, building trust, encouraging leadership, and delivering meaningful results. I want to acknowledge and thank our team and our community partners for making this progress possible,” said City Manager Mario Vasquez.
This summer, the City will release a series of short videos to show off the good things that have happened because of past grants. The series will tell stories from past winners, starting with the recent victory of the Troostwood Neighborhood. It will be available on the City’s YouTube and social media outlets.
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Not-for-profit neighborhood groups that are registered with the City and State, or that are willing to work with a registered group, can apply for the Neighborhood Empowerment Grant program. Kansas City wants to make communities safer, more connected, and lively for everyone by financing projects that start with the community.
