Your neighborhood
deserves better.
You can make it happen.
Neighbors for Better Neighborhoods (NBN) puts up to $5,000 directly into the hands of residents who are ready to lead change in their community. No grant-writing experience needed. No bureaucracy. Just you, your neighbors, and an idea worth fighting for.
We’ve been standing beside this community since 1991.
Neighbors for Better Neighborhoods — NBN — was built right here in Winston-Salem with one belief at its core: the people who live in a neighborhood know what that neighborhood needs better than anyone else.
The Grassroots Grants Program is our way of making that belief real. We put funding directly into the hands of everyday residents — block captains, association presidents, mothers, ministers, and neighbors — who see a problem and are ready to solve it. NBN doesn’t decide what your community needs. You do. We just help you get it done.
“The people closest to the problem are closest to the solution — and furthest from power and resources. We are here to change that.”
— NBN: Neighbors for Better NeighborhoodsYour neighbors have already done it.
These are real people from right here in Forsyth County who started exactly where you are.
“We had been wanting to clean up Ebony Hills for years. When I heard about NBN’s Grassroots Grant, I thought — we don’t have a big organization, we’re just neighbors. But they funded us anyway. Now our community looks better than ever and our neighbors are proud.”
“I wanted young people in our neighborhood to dream bigger — to see themselves in careers they never imagined. NBN’s grant made our Aviation Career Education Academy possible. Those kids walked into an airplane hangar for the first time in their lives. That changes a person.”
“Black mothers in our community were suffering in silence after giving birth. We built a postpartum toolkit and class with NBN’s support. Knowing that someone believed in our idea — and backed it with real money — meant everything to us and to the women we serve.”
Your idea probably fits. Here’s what we fund.
NBN funds projects that fall into one of three areas. If your idea makes life better for your neighbors, chances are it belongs here.
Civic Engagement
When neighbors come together, communities change. This area funds anything that brings people off their porches and into each other’s lives — block meetings, safety programs, community events, and neighborhood organizing.
- Walnut Tree Community Association built a playground where neighborhood kids now play safely every day — funded with a $5,000 grant.
- Ebony Hills Community Club organized “Clean the Hill” — transforming their neighborhood’s look and restoring community pride with $2,800.
- Unity Bowen Park launched “Keeping Seniors Safe,” giving peace of mind to older residents across their community.
- North Winston Neighborhood Association brought their whole neighborhood together through a community fair funded with a $600 microgrant.
Economic Mobility
A better life starts with better opportunities. This area funds programs that give people real skills, real training, and real tools to earn more and build financial stability for their families.
- Jim Shaw ACE Academy gave youth their first glimpse at aviation careers through a fully-funded $3,500 career education program.
- Boston-Thurmond Community Round Table trained neighborhood men to start their own lawn maintenance businesses — creating income right on their block.
- Castle Heights Youth received $3,500 to connect young people with jobs, education, and workforce training.
- LetsNspire Inc. helped parents build life skills that lift the whole family, funded with a $5,000 grant.
Equitable Development
Every neighborhood deserves access to health, safety, and dignity. This area funds projects that bring services and support to communities that have been overlooked — closing gaps that should have never existed.
- Necessary Crumbs trained community doulas to support Black mothers through pregnancy and birth, directly reducing maternal health disparities with $4,000.
- Hope to Thrive built a community produce pantry serving hundreds of families with fresh, healthy food — funded with $5,000.
- MOMS105 ran “Making Over Mommas in 27105,” transforming the lives of mothers in one of Winston-Salem’s most underserved zip codes.
- Island CultureZ launched “Roots to Wellness” — a community garden and herbal sanctuary that brought health and healing to their neighborhood.
You might be more ready than you think.
You don’t need a big organization. You don’t need a lawyer or a grant writer. You don’t even need nonprofit status. What you need is a real idea, a few committed neighbors, and the drive to make something happen on your block.
The NBN Grassroots Grants Program is open to any resident-led group in Forsyth County — whether you’re a longtime neighborhood association or a group of neighbors coming together around an idea for the very first time. If your project serves one of our Place Matters neighborhoods — Northwoods Estate, Monticello Park, Ebony Hills, Prospect Park, Wildewood Park, Cardinal Acres, Castle Heights, Spaulding Drive, Ladeara Crest, Bowen Park, Eastgate Village, Dreamland, or Lakeside Villas — you may also qualify for additional funding through NBN’s partnership with the United Way of Forsyth County.
- You live in the neighborhood your project will serve
- At least 3 residents from different households will lead the project with you
- Your group holds regular meetings and keeps basic records
- Your project serves a low-to-moderate income neighborhood in Forsyth County
- Your group has — or can open — a simple organizational checking account
- No 501(c)(3) nonprofit status required to apply
- Previous grant recipients are welcome to apply again after one year
Grant Award
Up to $5,000per project, per cycle — available to resident-led community groups anywhere in Forsyth County.
Smaller microgrants are also available for projects under $750.
NBN staff are happy to talk through your idea before you apply. Don’t hesitate to reach out.
Start Your Application →Simple. Fast. Built for real people.
Applying for a Grassroots Grant takes about 15 minutes and you can do it right from your phone. NBN designed this process to be fast, clear, and accessible for every neighbor in Forsyth County.
Tell us your idea
Fill out our simple application below. One screen at a time, in plain language. No jargon, no complicated forms.
We review it quickly
NBN’s Committee — made up of community members just like you — reviews every application and gets back to you fast.
Board approves funding
Strong applications go directly to NBN’s Board for final approval. The whole decision cycle is designed to move quickly.
You lead the change
Once approved, a short NBN orientation, then your grant funds are released and you get to work making your neighborhood better.
Watch and learn — at your own pace.
NBN hosts free Grassroots Grants info sessions to help you understand the program, the criteria, and what makes a strong application. The recording is available right here — no registration, no sign-up, no waiting. Watch it on your phone whenever it’s convenient.
▶ Watch it NowWhen can I apply?
NBN runs multiple grant cycles throughout the year. Check the dates below for the current open cycle and what’s coming up next.
Can’t make this cycle? Email us and NBN will notify you when the next application window opens.
Get notified about next cycle →Still have questions? We have answers.
If something isn’t covered here, call or email us. NBN staff are real people who are happy to talk through your situation.
Ready to make your
neighborhood better?
Answer a few questions — one at a time, right from your phone. No paperwork. No jargon. Just your idea and your neighbors.
Funded in partnership with
