For Immediate Release: May 28, 2025

Kansas City is awarding 26 neighborhood organizations with grant funds nearly $400,000 to support projects that will improve residents' quality of life. These grants will fund community-driven initiatives, including traffic calming measures, tree trimming, beautification efforts, community gardens, and neighborhood outreach programs. This cycle’s 26 grant recipients represent neighborhoods across Kansas City, each working to create a stronger, more vibrant community.

"The Neighborhood Empowerment Grant is an investment empowering neighborhoods with the resources they need," said Mayor Quinton Lucas. "When we invest in our neighborhoods, we see real results, including safer streets, stronger connections, and innovative approaches that come directly from the people who know their communities best."

“These investments reflect what’s possible when we support neighborhoods and give them the resources they need,” said Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw. “These grants back residents who are stepping up with ideas and solutions rooted in the needs of their own blocks. When neighbors lead, real change follows. Stronger neighborhoods build a stronger Kansas City, and that's exactly what this investment is about.”

Grant Awardees

• Blue Valley Neighborhood Association
• Crossroads Community Association
• East Crossroads
• East Swope Highlands Neighborhood Association
• Foxtown East Neighborhood Association
• Foxtown West Neighborhood Association
• Gillham Row Master Condominium Association (GRMCA)
• Hickman Mills United Neighborhoods Inc.
• Historic West Bottoms(HWBA)
• Indian Mound Neighborhood Association
• Kirkside Homes Association
• Newcastle Homeowners Association
• Oakwood Forest
• Oak Park Neighborhood-Community Resource Team
• Paseo West Neighborhood Association
• Pendleton Heights Neighborhood Association
• Rockhill Homes Association
• Ruskin Heights Homes Association, Inc.
• Swope Parkway Elmwood Neighborhood Association (SPENA)
• Timber Trace Homes Association
• Town Fork Creek Neighborhood Association
• Troostwood Neighborhood Association
• Walnut Grove Neighborhood Association
• Whitehall Condominium Owners Association
• 49/63 Neighborhood Coalition
• 29/30 Greenwood Urban District Neighborhood

“This program shows the power of collaboration between our city and the people who know their neighborhoods best. When we invest directly in residents’ ideas, we’re funding meaningful projects, building trust, encouraging leadership, and delivering meaningful results. I want to acknowledge and thank our team and our community partners for making this progress possible," said City Manager Mario Vasquez.

Additionally, stay tuned for a video series that highlights the impact of previous Neighborhood Empowerment Grantees. These videos demonstrate how neighborhood associations have utilized the funds in their communities. From traffic calming installations to new community gardens, each project reflects the unique needs and vision of its residents. Their stories, starting with the Troostwood Neighborhood, will be shared throughout the summer on the City's YouTube and social media channels. Check out Troostwood's project now!

The Neighborhood Empowerment Grant program uplifts neighborhoods by investing in projects that are requested by communities. The application is open to not-for-profit Neighborhood organizations who are already registered with the City of Kansas City and the State of Missouri, or who are willing to partner with an organization that is already registered.