SOUTH BEND — South Bend is offering up to $15,000 to nonprofits for proposals that aim to benefit their neighborhoods.

In the third year of its Neighborhood IGNITE Grant Program, the city has boosted its maximum award up from $10,000 to $15,000. The city will also allow multiple neighborhoods to apply jointly and win grants up to $30,000 for collaborative ideas.

Applications opened Monday and can be found at https://southbendin.gov/ignite-grant/. They will close July 12 at 5 p.m.

To apply, neighbors must be part of an association of at least five residents with clearly outlined neighborhood boundaries. The group must be registered as a nonprofit through the state of Indiana. Interested groups should schedule meetings with the city's Engagement and Economic Empowerment Team between June 17 and July 19.

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Nine ideas won money in the 2023 program. The LaSalle Park Neighborhood Association plans to develop a tool trailer for lending equipment to residents. Miami Village neighbors will install landscaping and flower beds around Randolph Park, on the near southeast side. Several neighborhoods won grants to install placemaking signage, while the Northeast Neighborhood Council will build a fence and commission a mural.
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