The Neighborhood Initiatives Fund Program (NIF)
The Neighborhood Initiatives Fund (NIF) Program is a program intended to assist nonprofit and community-based organizations with neighborhood-scale projects that improve quality of life and maintain the neighborhood as a desirable place to live.
The Program, administered by the URA’s Economic Development department, provides grants in order to help unlock the economic and placemaking potential within neighborhoods; support vision-to-action community investment strategies that build an equitable Pittsburgh; and formalize collaborative partnerships across the City.
Details
NIF is intended to assist nonprofits (including government agencies) and community-based organizations with neighborhood-scale projects. 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.
Schedule:
- April 2, 2020 - Round Opens
- June 1, 2020 - Applications Due
- August 2020 - Awards Announced
There are two tiers of available grants:
- Tier 1 grants will fund up to $15,000
- Tier 2 grants will fund up to $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.
How to Apply
Complete the program application found here and submit it along with all required attachments to Matt Reitzell at mreitzell@ura.org.
Information Sessions
Three information sessions were held via webinar.
Wednesday, April 8, 2020 - 6:00 - 7:00PM
Wednesday, April 15, 2020 - 12:00 - 1:00PM https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/192506045
Wednesday, April 22, 2020 - 12:00 -1:00PM
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/534387005
Phone Number: +1 (571) 317-3122
Access Code: 534-387-005
Webinar Presentation
Click here to view a recording of one of the webinars.
More Information
Program Fact Sheet
Program Guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions
2020 Program Application
Press Releases
- Press Event: Hill District Community-driven Projects
- Release: City, Urban Redevelopment Authority Investing $250,000 in Three Hill District Community-Driven Projects
- Press Event: Esser’s Plaza on the South Side
- Release: City, Urban Redevelopment Authority Investing $100,000 in the Revitalization of Esser's Plaza
- 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
Grantee Spotlights
- Grow Pittsburgh
- North Side Partnership Project
- ACH Clear Pathways Arts Center
- Brookline Community Apiary and Garden Infrastructure
In the News
- Beltzhoover residents laud URA’s investment in former elementary school | TribLIVE
- 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