Applications to Open for ‘Love Your Block’ Community Grant Program

The City of Reno, in partnership with the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University, introduces the second year of the 'Love Your Block' Community Grant Program. This initiative invites residents to apply for assistance for innovative community projects in Ward 1. This ward was selected after recording the second-highest number of residential code violations citywide.

"We're excited to see impactful projects happening across our city, and I encourage Ward 1 residents to get involved," said Ward 1 Councilmember Kathleen Taylor. "These community-led efforts create lasting impact and help revitalize our public spaces."

Applications will be accepted from February 13, 2026 through March 31, 2026. Selected applicants will be notified by April 22, 2026. Once awarded, these community grants will support a variety of initiatives to help contribute to the revitalization of neighborhood and community spaces in Ward 1.

Projects can include but are not limited to the following: community clean-ups, neighborhood improvements, public art, and more.

Eligibility criteria is as follows:

• Applications are open to individual residents over the age of 18, groups or organizations
• Applicants do not need to own the property to apply (renters welcome), but they must be willing to obtain permission from the owner
• Project budgets must be between $500 to $5,000
• Project must benefit the Ward 1 community and improve the neighborhood
• Projects must offer opportunities for resident volunteer to participate and perform the revitalization tasks required
• Projects can improve public as well as private property but need to be limited to exterior areas or be outdoors
• Projects must be possible to accomplish within 4 weeks
• Projects must be completed by August 31, 2026

Applicants who need assistance in the process may attend open office hours with the City's Housing and Neighborhood Development team.

Office hours are available during the following dates and times:

• Feb. 17 - 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Feb. 25 - 2-5 p.m.
• March 2 - 1-4 p.m.
• March 12 - 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

To apply for a 'Love Your Block' Community Grant, visit the City's Love Your Block page.

A separate grant application called "Love Your Home" will launch on May 1. This second application round will focus on improvements to the exterior of private, individual homes within Ward 1, including yard enhancements, fence painting, planting, and similar projects.

To volunteer with The Love Your Block Project for the City of Reno, apply by filling out the Volunteer Sheet.

The Love Your Block Program started in Ward 3 in 2025. Projects included the following projects: Rising for People Coffee mural, Pembroke Debris and Weed Removal, Yori Pop-Up Nursery, Vesta & Wells Block Bike Rack installations, and Donner Springs Bird House Initiative. For more details on these winning grants, visit the City's newsroom page.