City of Gaithersburg, MD

04/01/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 04/01/2026 13:12

Neighborhoods, HOAs Invited to Apply for Improvement Matching Grants

The City of Gaithersburg accepts applications for funding under the Frederick J. Felton Neighborhood Matching Grant program each year at the beginning of April. The program provides an incentive for neighborhood organizations to improve their communities by awarding dollar-for-dollar (up to 50%) matching grants of up to $5,000. Communities that are designated as Equity Emphasis Areas (see map) and apply under that designation are eligible for a greater match (up to 75% for eligible projects).

Neighborhood groups and associations have used these funds for such things as sidewalk enhancement, lighting upgrades, signage, fence replacement, parking lot enhancements, community block parties, and even neighborhood birdhouses.

All applications must be submitted electronically. The deadline to apply is May 13 of each year.

Equity Emphasis Areas:
Enhancements were made to this program to better address the needs of communities located in Equity Emphasis Areas (EEAs) as defined by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) Transportation Planning Board. These areas were designated based on income levels and minority population sizes gathered from tract-level Census data. In addition to what is covered under the standard program, communities within an EEA will also be able to apply for funding for eligible maintenance and repair projects as described below. While neither program covers regular ongoing maintenance nor repairs, the Equity Enhancement subprogram would cover a one-time maintenance/repair project with the goal of getting the project to the point that the association could continue regular maintenance/repairs moving forward. Additionally, communities within an EEA are eligible to receive a greater match (up to 75% for eligible projects) under both programs. The Equity Enhancement subprogram can be applied for using the Standard Application.

To facilitate the contract process, contracts under both programs can be signed in advance as long as the contract states that no work shall begin prior to the start of the performance period for that grant year (July 1). Any project begun or completed before the performance period will not be eligible for reimbursement under either grant.

City of Gaithersburg, MD published this content on April 01, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on April 01, 2026 at 19:12 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]