Neighborhood Initiatives Fund
The Neighborhood Initiatives Fund Program provides grants in order to help unlock the economic and placemaking potential within neighborhood commercial corridors, support vision-to-action community investment strategies that build an equitable Pittsburgh, and formalize collaborative partnerships across the City.
Program Details
The Neighborhood Initiatives Fund (NIF) Program is intended to assist nonprofits (including government agencies) and community-based organizations with neighborhood-scale projects in commercial corridors. These projects include efforts that encourage neighborhood investment through vacant property reclamation and stewardship, historic preservation, brownfield redevelopment, public infrastructure improvements, and/or other eligible efforts. Nonprofit organizations with for profit development partners are also eligible to apply.
There are two tiers of available grants:
- Tier 1 grants will fund projects between $20,000 and $30,000
- Tier 2 grants will fund projects between $30,001 and $100,000
A match is not required for Tier 1 grants. Tier 2 grants will require a 2:1 match; for every two dollars ($2) of Program funds invested into a project, there must be at least one-dollar ($1) match invested in the project. Matching funds must come from non-URA and non-city sources.
Important Program Dates
- May 15, 2023 - 2023 NIF applications open
- May 25 and June 7, 2023 - Virtual NIF Information Sessions:
- May 25, 2023 at 12:00 p.m.; Register Here
- June 7, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.; Register Here
- July 31, 2023 - 2023 NIF applications are due by 5:00 p.m.
How to Apply
Applications open May 15, 2023 and are due by 5:00 p.m. on July 31, 2023. Click on the Program Application link below. Complete the application online, and include any attachments where indicated. Email Jamie Piotrowski with any questions at jpiotrowski@ura.org.
Program Materials
Neighborhood Initiatives Fund at Work
Braids of Hope artwork at Tecumseh Plaza
ACH Clear Pathways' ribbon cutting ceremony for the renovation of the historic Kaufmann Center
URA, PMT and stakeholders cut the ribbon on major improvements to the historic Pittsburgh Musical Theater building in the West End.
The URA provided a $94,360 grant for renovations at the Pittsburgh Musical Theater. Work included the replacement of the main window, storefront, and exterior doors, and the installation of ground-level flood vents.
Pittsburgh Musical Theater students perform at the ribbon cutting ceremony on May 11, 2021.
The Pittsburgh Musical Theater has provided quality, affordable musical theater to the Pittsburgh region, educated youth in the arts and employed and developed local talent since 1990. PMT purchased its building in a state of disrepair in 2013 and has since replaced the roof, installed an accessible rehearsal space, and repaired and corrected water damage.
The Amani Christian Community Development Corporation was awarded $100,000 in funding for a redevelopment project on two parcels located at the intersection of Herron and Wylie Avenues. The project will include a 1,600 square foot architecture and design accelerator, studio, and gallery.
The Hill District Federal Credit Union was awarded $100,000 to double the size of its facility to 2,500 square feet. This project will allow for the expansion of financial education services and counseling to accommodate the rapidly increasing volume of low-income individuals and families requiring unique financial services assistance.
The URA invested $100,000 in improvements for Esser’s Plaza on the South Side.
The URA invested $72,000 in improvements to the historic former Beltzhoover Elementary School.
Grantee Spotlights
- Grow Pittsburgh
- North Side Partnership Project
- ACH Clear Pathways Arts Center
- Brookline Community Apiary and Garden Infrastructure
In the News
- 5 Pittsburgh neighborhoods will split $527,345 for community improvement projects
- Beltzhoover residents laud URA’s investment in former elementary school
- Got a community-led project? Apply for the URA’s $100,000 neighborhood assistance program
- URA announces Neighborhood Initiatives Fund projects
- URA announces Neighborhood Initiative Fund awards
- 'It has taken us over the top': $850,000 in grants awarded under new URA program
Press Releases
- Release: URA to Award Seven Neighborhood Initiatives Fund Grants
- Release: URA Announces Neighborhood Initiatives Fund Program Round 4; Application Process Open
- Release: URA, City of Pittsburgh and Key Stakeholders Celebrate Revitalization of the Pittsburgh Musical Theater
- Watch Press Event: Hill District Community-driven Projects
- Release: City, Urban Redevelopment Authority Investing $250,000 in Three Hill District Community-Driven Projects
- Watch Press Event: Esser’s Plaza on the South Side
- Release: City, Urban Redevelopment Authority Investing $100,000 in the Revitalization of Esser's Plaza
- Watch Press Event: Beltzhoover Elementary School
- Release: City, Urban Redevelopment Authority Investing $72,000 in Community-Driven Project at Former Beltzhoover Elementary School
- Release: URA Announces Neighborhood Initiatives Fund Projects Ready to Move Forward