What is NeighborHUB?
The NeighborHUB Grant Program is a collaborative effort between General Motors and the Detroit Regional Chamber designed to empower residents to affect change in their neighborhoods by providing funding to nonprofits and small businesses working in communities throughout Detroit, Highland Park, and Hamtramck.
Who can apply?
The program welcomes small businesses and registered 501(c)3 nonprofits located in Detroit, Highland Park, and Hamtramck to apply for a grant.
Local groups who are not 501(c)(3)-affiliated (i.e., block clubs) must partner with a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit and propose a project together.
Along with a valid EIN, small business applicants must have under 25 employees and have been in business for at least one year. The grant must be used to support existing businesses and cannot be used as “start-up” money.
How can funds from the NeighborHUB Grant be used?
Nonprofit grant funds should be used towards a neighborhood’s development, improvement, or programming. Place-based projects are not limited to physical improvements but could apply to funding programming that would benefit the surrounding community.
Small business grants should be used to improve the business, such as façade improvements, new or additional signage and equipment, or enhancing online operations.
The NeighborHUB grant can also be used for a specific element of a part of a larger project. For example, your organization may manage a large park and would use the NeighborHUB Grant to renovate a structure, like 2023 grantee People for Palmer Park, who used the grant to renovate their log cabin.
What elements make an application stand out?
Every neighborhood has a unique story to tell, and the NeighborHUB team wants to see it come through in the application. How does your organization play a role in the community, and how would this project further the organization’s mission or purpose?
Attaching visuals of your project – like renderings, blueprints, and photos of your location and past events – will also elevate your application.
How are applications evaluated?
Project Narrative: Is there a clear and compelling description of the business and the justification of funding needs? How are the project or service goals enhancing the organization while creating a more connected, vibrant community?
Space Activation and Community Impact: How will the proposed project and programs activate or enhance the identified space? Further, how does the project enhance the community in some meaningful ways?
Timeframe and Outcomes: Can the project be completed in the 12-month timeframe? Are there other funding streams? Are potential risks addressed and mitigated? Are the stated outcomes for the project measurable?
Budget and Leadership: We highly encourage applicants to create a complete budget containing all required information. Also, consider how the project leaders have implemented successful neighborhood-based projects and been active in the community for several years.
What is the timeline for the grant program year?
Applications are open until Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. and will be reviewed by a panel of Chamber and GM staff as well as program alums. Winners will be notified in December 2023 and publicly announced in January 2024. Funding will be dispersed by early February 2024. Grantees will then have the 2024 calendar year to complete their projects. For more information, visit www.detroitchamber.com/neighborhub