Newark Offers $5,000 Grants for Neighborhood Projects Through ‘Love Your Block’ Program

Mayor Ras Baraka and Chief Sustainability Officer Nicole Hewitt-Cabral unveiled Love Your Block, Newark! 2026 on Friday, Feb. 14. The program provides reimbursement grants up to $5,000 for neighborhood beautification efforts that concentrate on environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

Applications remain open through Tuesday, March 31. City officials will review proposals from local groups on a rolling basis until the money runs out.

“The Love Your Block, Newark! program reflects what makes this city strong — residents who care deeply about their neighborhoods and are ready to lead,” said Baraka, according to Patch.com. “By investing directly in community-driven projects, we are empowering Newarkers to build cleaner, greener, and more resilient neighborhoods while strengthening the bonds that hold our city together.”

The program connects resident groups with city departments to finish volunteer-driven work. All funded work this year must address sustainability and climate resilience goals.

“Love Your Block, Newark! is about turning local ideas into real, visible change,” said Hewitt-Cabral. “From climate resilience to neighborhood revitalization, this program helps residents take action on the issues that matter most to them while advancing our citywide sustainability and resilience goals.”

Residents must lead the work. It has to happen within city limits. Community support is required. First-time applicants get priority. Youth-led initiatives do too. So do proposals from Newark Housing Authority residents and block or tenant associations.

New grantees will receive mentorship from past participants. Work begins May 6 and wraps up Sept. 2 — an extension from prior years.

City officials will announce grantees on May 1. A mandatory orientation workshop happens on May 6.

Five brainstorming sessions will occur between Feb. 19 and March 5 at locations including the Unified Vailsburg Services Organization Teen Center, St. Stephens Church, William Mobile Ashby Community Care and Training Center, Branch Brook Library, and City Hall. Residents can contact Program Manager Valeria Angel at 973-877-9587 for help.

A celebration event is scheduled for Feb. 11, 2027.

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