Morgantown Mosaic Neighborhood Engagement Initiative

The program supports projects that visibly enhance neighborhoods and encourage resident engagement, including:

• Community branding and identity projects
• Signage and wayfinding
• Beautification and landscaping efforts
• Public art installations
• Neighborhood gathering spaces
• Graffiti removal
• Community gardens

Projects should be resident-driven, accessible to the public, and aligned with neighborhood priorities.

The following are generally not eligible for funding:

• Projects that primarily provide food, catering, or entertainment
• Private events not open to the public
• Projects already completed or underway before award approval
• Ongoing operational costs or recurring expenses
• Activities that do not clearly benefit the neighborhood as a whole

Funding decisions prioritize long-term community benefit over one-time activities.

The Morgantown Mosaic Neighborhood Engagement Initiative provides competitive, small-scale grant funding to support resident-led projects that strengthen neighborhood identity, improve shared spaces, and encourage community connection.

• Applicants may request up to $500 per project for materials, supplies, small physical improvements, or neighborhood event needs.
• Large-scale projects may request up to $2,000, subject to additional review and reporting requirements.
• A 1:1 match is required for all awarded funds. 
  • Up to 50% of the required match may be fulfilled through in-kind contributions, such as volunteer labor, donated materials, professional services, or partner support.
  • The remaining match must be provided through cash or documented financial contributions.
• In-kind contributions are encouraged for both small-scale and large-scale projects and should be clearly documented in the project budget.
• Funding is limited and dependent on annual budget availability appropriated through the City’s budget process.
• Applications are evaluated through a competitive, ranked scoring process.
• The City Manager makes final award decisions based on reviewer recommendations, project scores, neighborhood representation, and available funds.

Grant funds must be used responsibly and only for approved project costs. Expenses incurred or commitments made prior to award approval are not eligible for reimbursement, and improper use of funds may impact future eligibility.

Applications are reviewed and scored using a standardized rubric totaling 100 points, based on:

• Project Proposal & Feasibility – clarity, goals, timeline
• Community Engagement – resident involvement and partnerships
• Budget & Financial Readiness – realistic costs and matching resources
• Impact – measurable outcomes and neighborhood benefit
• Sustainability – maintenance and long-term stewardship

Projects are ranked, and funding decisions consider score, neighborhood representation, and overall program balance.

Eligible applicants include:

• Residents of a qualified Morgantown neighborhood
• Recognized Neighborhood Associations
• Individuals applying with written support from their Neighborhood Association
• Applicants from unrecognized neighborhoods within City limits (with additional review)

Projects must be located within Morgantown city limits and align with program goals.

To be considered, projects must:

• Be located within the City of Morgantown
• Be accessible to the public or clearly benefit the neighborhood
• Engage residents through planning, volunteering, or participation
• Demonstrate realistic budgeting and readiness to implement
• Include a sustainability or maintenance plan (when applicable)
• Be completed within the program’s designated timeframe

Projects on private property or City right-of-way may require additional approvals.