Over $1 million awarded to city’s neighborhoods since start of program
The City of Fishers announced Thursday the recipients of the 2023 Neighborhood Vibrancy Grant Program, a matching grant program that provides funding for creative and innovative ideas that make Fishers a more beautiful place to live.
The 2023 grant cycle featured 21 applicants for the program and $87,519 in funds were awarded. This year also marks over $1,044,081.20 in grant funds awarded to enhance the vibrancy of Fishers neighborhoods since the grant’s inception in 2000.
Originally known as the Neighborhood Matching Grant, the program began in 2000 by awarding approximately $16,000 to seven applicants. In 2012, the Tree Matching Grant was created and awarded approximately $10,000 to 17 applicants. The grants were then combined in 2020 to become the Neighborhood Vibrancy Grant.
“We are thrilled that this year’s Neighborhood Vibrancy Grant program marks over $1 million in funds invested back into the beautification of the Fishers community,” said Megan Vukusich, Director of Planning & Zoning for the City of Fishers. “Over the past 23 years, we have seen this program grow and offer neighborhoods the opportunity to add new, innovative, and sustainable projects where they live and play.”
In addition to beautification, residents and homeowner associations are encouraged to pursue sustainable initiatives and projects that support the environment and natural habitats. All funded projects featuring landscaping will utilize native species.
Recipients of the 2023 Neighborhood Vibrancy Grant Program include:
- Avalon ($2,632.54) to install park benches along a walking trail.
- Berkley Grove ($5,000) for conversion of lawn space into a community rain garden and outdoor art gallery.
- Britton Ridge ($1,662.50) to enhance the appearance of wall signs at the entrance of the community.
- Brookston Place ($4,028.52) to enhance the entrance landscaping.
- Charleston Crossing ($5,000) to replace and upgrade two pond fountains.
- Cottonwood Creek at Gray Eagle ($5,000) to repair neighborhood tennis courts and fill in cracks and tripping hazards.
- Covington Estates ($3,444.19) to add trees along 96th Street for beauty and privacy.
- Cumberland Place ($3,000) to convert a large piece of common area from turf grass to native grasses and plants.
- Eller Commons ($5,000) to landscape in front of the neighborhood entrance and replace lighting with LEDs.
- Fox Hollow at Geist ($5,000) to replace and repair custom street signs and stop signs.
- Geist Overlook ($5,000) to construct an additional wall adjacent to the main entrance wall.
- Heritage Meadows ($3,014) to add landscaping around neighborhood signage.
- Prescott ($5,000) to extend the irrigation system to help keep the trees and grass watered.
- Ravinia ($4,986.32) to add a flower bed and entrance sign to the rear entrance and place a park bench near the walking path.
- Rolling Knoll ($5,000) to remove and replace invasive Bradford pear street trees with native species.
- Sail Place ($5,000) to replace the wood fence on the perimeter of the Sail Place property line.
- Sand Creek Woods ($5,000) to improve walking paths within the neighborhood.
- Sutton Place ($4,986) to remove willow trees around the pond and replace them with new, healthy trees.
- Sweet Briar ($5,000) to improve walking paths within the neighborhood.
- Timberstone ($3,210) to retrofit five streetlights to LED and replace five Acorn Globe fixtures that have discolored and make repairs on the entrance monuments.
- Timberstone Villas ($5,000) to improve trails in the existing common area.
2024 Neighborhood Vibrancy Grant applications will open Nov. 1. Residents can watch a recorded webinar to learn more about the application process and find additional information at fishers.in.us/grants.
Along with this grant program, the city accepts applications year-round for its Stormwater Grant Program. This grant incentivizes neighborhoods, non-profits, and homeowners within city limits to improve local water quality and/or drainage function. Applicants are eligible for up to a 50 percent match from the city.
To learn more about Fishers’ grant programs and apply, visit fishers.in.us/grants.