The Southeast CDC’s Neighborhood Spruce-Up program awards grants between $7,500 and $20,000 to implement community-driven public space projects that improve quality of life.
Program Resources
- Program Overview
- Register for the info session
- Application
- Application: Timeline attachment
- Application: Budget attachment
Program Dates
- Applications open – Monday, April 28, 2025
- Optional virtual info session – Friday, May 9, 2025 (5:30-6:30pm)
- Deadline to submit questions – Friday, May 23, 2025, 9am
- Full applications due – noon Friday, May 30, 2025
- Applications reviewed – June 2 – June 6, 2025
- Award announcement! – Monday, June 9, 2025
- Signed grant agreements due, project period begins – Monday, June 30, 2025
- Project period ends, all funding must be spent – Tuesday, June 30, 2026
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
Individuals, community associations, and non-profits working on projects in Southeast CDC’s BRNI area. Our BRNI area includes part or all of the following neighborhoods: Baltimore Highlands, Bayview, Butchers Hill, CARE, Ellwood Park/Monument, Greektown, Highlandtown, Madison-Eastend, McElderry Park, Milton-Montford, Patterson Park, Patterson Place.
Please visit https://portal.dhcd.state.md.us/GIS/revitalize/index.html to verify if your proposed project falls within the boundaries.
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)
2024
- CARE Community Association: Honeybee garden fence
- Ellwood Park: playground stair reconstruction
- Highlandtown Main Street: custom trash cans