Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program

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What is the Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program?

The Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program (NIGP) strengthens Cary neighborhoods by empowering residents to collaborate on projects that address community needs and benefit the broader community. Our goals include:

Building neighborhood engagement and pride through resident-led initiatives
Leveraging Town and community resources to address neighborhood issues
Enhancing community aesthetics through beautification, environmental improvements, and neighborhood enhancements
Supporting property values and neighborhood vitality

Funding up to $5,000 is provided for eligible projects. In the event a project is championed by multiple neighborhoods, the maximum reimbursement is $5,000 per HOA/neighborhood.

Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed quarterly in February, May, August, and November, and funding is allocated as available. Each neighborhood may receive a maximum of $5,000 in grant funding within any three- year period.

Who can apply for funding?

Neighborhood groups representing a specific community may apply, including neighborhood associations, homeowner associations, neighborhood watch groups, or organized resident committees.

What types of projects are eligible for funding?

All projects must demonstrate clear alignment with The Cary 2040 Community Plan goals and show measurable impact on both the neighborhood and broader Cary community.

Examples of eligible projects:

Supplemental landscaping and beautification initiatives within common or public areas
Initial neighborhood signage and wayfinding
Publicly-accessible playgrounds and recreational facilities
Environmental restoration (watersheds, streambanks, stormwater facilities)
Public safety enhancements (lighting, secure fencing, safety infrastructure)
Community gathering spaces, gardens, or trail connections open to the public
Accessibility and access improvements in public or shared spaces
Other projects with significant, visible impact on neighborhood conditions

What types of projects will not be funded?

Examples of ineligible projects include:

Ongoing maintenance and operational expenses, salaries or stipends
Personnel costs, salaries, or stipends
Utilities, rent, or administrative expenses
Events, festivals, or programming
Routine replacements (mailboxes, existing signage, standard maintenance)
Projects meeting minimum development plan requirements

How will projects be reviewed?

A committee comprised of town staff will review each application and determine the level of funding. Six criteria will be used to weigh each eligible project against others to help determine the optimal level of funding. The following criteria will be used:

Community Plan Alignment: How well does the project directly advance Community Plan goals with clear, specific connections?
Community Impact & Benefit: Are there significant, measurable benefits to both the neighborhood and the broader Cary community?
Resident Engagement & Collaboration: Is there strong evidence of broad resident involvement in planning and execution?
Project Feasibility & Sustainability: How realistic is the timeline, budget, and long-term maintenance plan? Are there significant matching funds, volunteer labor, or in-kind contributions that will be utilized?
Innovation & Neighborhood Pride: Does the project have a creative approach that could serve as a model for other neighborhoods?

Ready to apply?

Before you apply, please take a moment to review the program requirements to make sure your project idea is a good fit. Once you’ve confirmed it aligns with the guidelines, you can submit your application online here.

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