The Southeast CDC’s Neighborhood Spruce-Up program awards grants between $7,500 and $20,000 to implement public space projects that are community-driven and improve quality of life.
Program Resources
Project Examples
- Creating and installing gateways and signage, as identified in community master and vision plans.
- Streetscaping and pedestrian lighting along key corridors.
- Facilitating the transformation of vacant lots or green spaces.
- Creating and implementing public art projects such as murals, sculpture, and mosaics.
- Improving community gathering spaces and playspaces.
- Adding permanent stoop/porch lighting to improve community safety.
Eligible Neighborhoods
In 2020, the Southeast CDC Spruce-Up program expanded to all neighborhoods in the SECDC catchment area:
Armistead Gardens, Baltimore Highlands, Bayview, Broening Manor, Butcher’s Hill, CARE, Ellwood Park/Monument, Fell’s Point, Graceland Park, Highlandtown, Jonestown, Kresson, Little Italy, Madison-Eastend, McElderry Park, Medford, Middle East, Milton-Montford, O’Donnell Heights, Orangeville, Patterson Park (neighborhood and park), Patterson Place, Perkins Homes, Saint Helena, Upper Fell’s Point, Washington Hill.
Past Awards
2017
- Arts & Parks – pocket park and mural at 401 N. Milton
- Patterson Park Neighborhood Association – neighborhood signage and planters
- Highlandtown Community Association – Conkling Street Garden signage and lighting
- Patterson Park Public Charter School – community multi-purpose room improvements and mural
- Creative Alliance – installation of permanent string light lanterns across Eastern Avenue
2018
- Milton-Montford Community Association – residential front door lighting, neighborhood sign, Little Library
- Greater Greektown Neighborhood Association – public sculpture
- Patterson Park Public Charter School – resurfacing of the cafeteria/community room
- Amazing Port Street Commons – alley gating
2019
- Milton-Montford Community Association – Eager Street Park pavilion and water installation
- Friends of Patterson Park – Park entrance upgrades at Ellwood Avenue and Eastern Avenue
- Friends of Patterson Park – Restoration and landscaping around the Marble Fountain
2020
- Butchers Hill Neighborhood Association: Planted sidewalk bumpouts at Chester/Pratt
- Greektown Neighborhood Association: custom bench and trash cans in the Greektown commercial district
- Little Italy: Mural at the future Madonnari Museum
- Patterson Park Neighborhood Association: Mural and landscaping at Fayette and Milton
- Society for the Preservation of Federal Hill and Fell’s Point: Fencing and signage for the Colonial Garden next to the Robert Long House
- Upper Fell’s Point Improvement Association: Tree well adornment (fencing and mosaics)
Open RFPs
- Creative Alliance: Sculptural bike rack at the Creativity Center (RFP due 4/29)
- CARE Community Association: Honeybee garden fence (RFP due 4/30)