The City of Gaithersburg is now accepting applications for funding under the Fiscal Year 2026 Frederick J. Felton Neighborhood Matching Grant program. The program provides an incentive for neighborhood organizations to improve their communities by awarding dollar-for-dollar matching grants of up to $5,000. Communities that are designated as Equity Emphasis Areas (see map on City’s website) 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, 2025.

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.

Standard Program: 

  • The standard program is available to all homeowners associations, condominium associations, citizen associations, or any group that represents a majority of the residents in any given neighborhood. It offers a dollar-for-dollar (up to 50%) match for eligible projects.

  • Applications for FY 2026 grants are being accepted between April 1 and May 13, 2025. All applications must be submitted electronically through the City’s website.

  • The maximum grant(s) to any community may not exceed a combined total of $5,000 for any fiscal year. If a grant is approved, funds will be reimbursed to the community after the project or program is complete and is inspected by City staff. Grants are awarded in July. The performance period is July 1 to May 31. Any approved grant funds not expended will be recaptured.

  • Grants will be considered for new projects such as lighting, installation of landscaping, tot lots, entrance features, other physical improvements, or neighborhood events. Additionally, grants may be considered to assist with the cost of consulting or engineering studies for major community improvements or for the cost of community building programs. With the exception of community identification signs and fencing, grants will not be awarded for replacement of existing features or routine maintenance. Grants may not be awarded retroactively for projects that are underway or already completed.

  • Communities will be required to match dollar-for-dollar the amount of the grant. For the purpose of the communities’ match, in-kind donations and the value of volunteer labor will be considered.

  • Grants will be recommended for approval on a competitive basis. A team of staff members with representatives from the City Manager’s Office, Community, Neighborhood & Housing Services, and the Department of Public Works will rank the public benefit of each application. Priority will be given to:
    • Neighborhoods that have not received a cumulative total of $10,000 in matching grants within the last two fiscal years.

    • For common ownership communities, projects that enhance public safety such as lighting, security systems, or sidewalks.
  • After review and recommendations by staff, requests will be forwarded to the Mayor & City Council for final approval.

Equity Enhancement Subprogram:

  • The Equity Enhancement subprogram is available only to homeowners associations, condominium associations, citizen associations, or any group that represents a majority of the residents in any given neighborhood located in an Equity Emphasis Area (EEA). Please consult the EEA Neighborhood map to determine if your community is located within an EEA.
  • All of the Standard program information (shown above) applies to the Equity Enhancement subprogram with the following enhancements:

    • When applying under the standard program as an EEA, communities in an EEA are eligible for an increased match (up to 75% City match to 25% community match up to $5,000)

    • Focuses on maintenance/repair work, allowing a one-time grant if it could address identified major issues and enable the community to continue upkeep through regular maintenance/repairs thereafter. Repairs/maintenance would be considered for:

      • private sidewalks
      • fences
      • light fixtures
      • hazardous tree removals
      • private roadway repair/paving (potholes)
      • drainage/erosion issues
      • parking lot striping

After review by staff, funding recommendations for both the standard and Equity Enhancement subprogram will be forwarded to the Mayor and City Council for final approval.