HILLyard Opportunity Grant – Purpose & Application Guidelines

Purpose

The HILLyard Opportunity Grant supports community-driven projects that strengthen the Hillyard neighborhood and surrounding Northeast Spokane communities. Through small, flexible grants of up to $2,000, this program invests in ideas that improve quality of life, encourage neighborhood engagement, support local leadership, and create meaningful, lasting community impact.

Funding is intended to help nonprofit organizations, community groups, businesses partnering with nonprofits, tribes, public agencies, and other eligible applicants implement projects that align with the mission of the Northeast Public Development Authority (NEPDA) and contribute to a stronger, more vibrant Hillyard.

Projects may include, but are not limited to:

• Community beautification and placemaking
• Arts, culture, and public events
• Neighborhood engagement and outreach
• Youth and family initiatives
• Economic vitality and small business support
• Environmental stewardship
• Public space improvements
• Community education and capacity building

Collaborative projects involving multiple organizations or community partners are strongly encouraged and may receive additional consideration.

Application Guidelines

Before beginning your application, please review the following:

1. Eligibility: Applicants must be eligible organizations or individuals partnering with a qualifying nonprofit or fiscal sponsor, as outlined in the application.

2. Project Location: Projects must occur within, or provide a direct benefit to, the NEPDA service area.

3. Funding Amount: Applicants may request between $200 and $2,000 per project.

4. Project Timeline: Funded projects must begin within 90 days of award and be completed by December 31, 2026, unless an approved extension is granted.

5. Application Review: Applications are reviewed on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis until available funding has been awarded.

6. Evaluation Criteria: Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Community benefit and neighborhood impact
• Clear goals and achievable outcomes
• Feasibility and readiness to implement
• Collaboration with community partners
• Reasonable and well-supported project budget
• Alignment with the NEPDA mission and public purpose

7. Reporting: Award recipients may be required to submit a mid-project progress report and a final report describing activities, outcomes, expenditures, and lessons learned.

8. Attachments: Please upload all required supporting documentation before submitting your application.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly describe the community need your project addresses.
• Explain who will benefit and how success will be measured.
• Provide a realistic timeline and detailed budget.
• Highlight partnerships and community collaboration whenever possible.
• Be specific about the lasting impact your project will have on the Hillyard community.

Thank you for investing your time and ideas in strengthening our community. We look forward to learning about your project.