Hillsborough County has rolled out a call to its neighborhoods, suggesting it’s time to rally and brainstorm, because the 2026 Neighborhood Mini-Grant application period is officially underway. Local neighborhood associations, including Homeowners, Civic, Condominium, and even neighborhood associations within Tampa, Plant City, and Temple Terrace, have the chance to secure up to $5,000 for projects aimed at invigorating their communities. The word is, applications must be in by 5 p.m., Nov. 12—mark those calendars. For details on how to throw your hat in the ring, neighborhoods can hit up the Neighborhood Mini-Grant webpage.
So, what’s the deal with these mini-grants? Think big, but on a local scale. Healthy Neighborhood initiatives are all about promoting well-being and conservation. Those eyeing the Safe Neighborhood award want to equip residents with know-how to keep their streets secure. And for the Engaged Neighborhood category, it’s about crafting that special something that knits people closer together, like last year, when a historic neighborhood captured and shared its untold narratives through a documentary. Projects from prior winners include everything from serenity-inducing community gardens to the practical, like well-lit paths and even a weatherproof pavilion designed to stand up to the next Hurricane Milton.
Here’s the skinny: to be in the running for these grants, associations need to be on the Neighborhood Listing. A quick trip to the Neighborhood Listing will tell you if you’re already on the list or if you need to submit your application to join the cool kids. Once you get an email from Hillsborough County Neighborhood Relations confirming you’re on the list, you’re golden to apply for a mini-grant…