Noblesville now accepting applications for Neighborhood Match & Tree Planting grants

Submitted by City of Noblesville

Applications for the City of Noblesville’s Neighborhood Match Grant and Tree Planting Grant are open, providing funding for neighborhood improvements and to expand Noblesville’s tree canopy. Applications will be accepted through Jan. 4, 2027, and grants will be awarded in February.

The Neighborhood Match Grant, launched in 2025, provides matching funds to Homeowners Associations (HOAs) and neighborhood groups for projects that enhance, improve, and beautify communities. Eligible projects include recreation improvements, safety enhancements, and landscape sustainability initiatives.

The Tree Planting Grant is a partnership between the city, SMC Corporation of America, and the Noblesville Tree Board. The program supports tree planting projects that expand the city’s tree canopy and promote long-term environmental sustainability. SMC provides funding for the program, which the city matches.

The Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Noblesville as a Tree City USA for 35 consecutive years. For the upcoming grant cycle, SMC is increasing its contribution from $2,500 to $5,000, and the city will match the donation to provide additional funding for tree planting.

“I’m proud to see these grant programs bring neighborhood projects to life and improve quality of life for our residents,” Mayor Chris Jensen said. “These investments reflect our commitment to building stronger neighborhoods, improving accessibility, and creating spaces that will benefit our community for years to come. I’m grateful to the Noblesville Common Council for its continued support of the Neighborhood Match Grant and to SMC for being a valued partner in investing in the long-term growth and sustainability of our city.”

Tree Planting Grant

The Tree Planting Grant prioritizes trees most likely to survive and reach maturity. Recipients are encouraged to plant awarded trees on or near Arbor Day, April 30, 2027. This year, the city and SMC partnered to plant 100 trees in Forest Park around Earth Day and Arbor Day to celebrate the park’s 100th anniversary.

“Our partnership with the City of Noblesville through the Tree Grant Program has become one of SMC’s flagship commitments to sustainability and community investment, and we’re proud to see its impact continue to grow,” SMC President and CEO Kelley Stacy said. “As we celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2027, we’re excited to increase our donation to this community fund to $5,000, helping bring more trees to our neighborhoods, beautify shared spaces and create a greener Noblesville for generations to come.”

The Noblesville Tree Board develops and oversees plans for the care, preservation, pruning, planting, and removal of city street trees. The board also coordinates with other city entities, including the Park Board, Plan Commission, and Street Department.

“The Noblesville Tree Board is excited to once again partner with SMC, the City of Noblesville, and our Noblesville neighbors to plant trees for our community,” said Ashley Mullis, representing the Noblesville Tree Board. “This valuable partnership seeks to increase the tree canopy in Noblesville; which provides countless ecological and human health benefits. From flood mitigation, to increased property values, to mental health benefits; trees just help communities function better. Beautiful tree-lined streets are a hallmark of great Indiana hometowns and we want that tradition to continue, so get your neighbors together and plant some trees for the future of Noblesville.”

Neighborhood Match Grant

The Neighborhood Match Grant provides a one-to-one match, with the city contributing 50 percent of eligible project costs, up to $10,000 per project. The Noblesville Common Council first appropriated funding for the program in the 2025 budget and continued its support in the 2026 and 2027 budgets.

All completed applications will be reviewed by the Neighborhood Match Grant Committee before funding decisions are made. The committee may recommend a higher matching ratio for projects supplemented by corporate funding. Eligible applicants include HOAs and neighborhood groups located within Noblesville city limits.

Funding will focus on projects involving design, construction, or installation, with priority given to those offering the greatest visibility and positive community impact. Projects within the public right-of-way are subject to additional review and approval.

Examples of eligible projects include new trail connections, accessible playground enhancements, and community gardens. Previously funded projects have included native plant installations, playground improvements, lighting, and benches. Since the program began in 2025, a total of 25 Noblesville neighborhoods have received grant awards since the inception of the program.

How to apply

Applications for both grants are available online and will be accepted through Jan. 4, 2027. Grants will be awarded in February 2027.

For more information about acceptable and prioritized projects and to apply, visit noblesville.in.gov/TheNeighborhoodMatchGrant or noblesville.in.gov/233/Noblesville-Tree-Planting-Grant.