Exciting News: Small Grants Application Rollout for 2024!

LISC Houston supports the Houston market through Community Development, Economic Development, Affordable Housing, Lending & Capital, and Leadership and Civic Engagement. In 2015, LISC Houston launched the Small Grants program with a focus on making a direct impact within neighborhoods and bringing communities together. 

In the vibrant tapestry of Houston's diverse neighborhoods, there is a shared vision for growth and prosperity. At the heart of this vision lies the essence of comprehensive community development, a holistic approach that seeks to uplift neighborhoods through resident-led initiatives.

Comprehensive community development is more than just revitalizing physical spaces; it is about empowering residents to shape the future of their neighborhoods. This approach recognizes that sustainable change comes from within the community itself. It encompasses various facets of development, including housing, education, health, economic opportunity, and cultural vibrancy.

When residents are at the forefront of decision-making, projects are not just about building structures; they are about fostering a sense of ownership, pride, and unity. Whether it's creating community gardens, organizing safety programs, or establishing youth mentorship initiatives, these resident-led projects are the lifeblood of thriving neighborhoods.

Houston, known for its diversity, is also home to numerous communities that have historically faced challenges such as disinvestment, limited access to resources, and social inequalities. These neighborhoods, brimming with untapped potential, are where resident-led projects can make a profound impact.

From the historic neighborhoods of Fifth Ward, OST/South Union, and Near Northside to the culturally rich enclaves of Gulfton and East End, Houston's underrepresented communities are vibrant hubs of culture, resilience, and creativity. Yet, they often lack the spotlight and resources needed to fully flourish.

Incorporating community voice in community development work is not just a matter of inclusivity; it is a fundamental principle of effective and sustainable change. Residents are the true experts of their neighborhoods, possessing invaluable knowledge of their strengths, challenges, and aspirations.

When community members are given the platform to voice their ideas and lead projects, magic happens. Gardens bloom, youth find mentorship and guidance, safety improves, and economic opportunities emerge. It is through these grassroots efforts that the fabric of a community is woven stronger, thread by thread.

The small grants program is a way we show how supporting resident-led projects is not just a choice; it is a commitment to equity, empowerment, and community-driven change.  Below is an overview of the previous three years’ impact and projects that we are excited to share with you.

Traditionally, LISC Houston’s primary focus has been on GO Neighborhoods to support our existing community development efforts.  These efforts were categorized into five major pillars: supporting healthy environments and lifestyles, improving access to quality education, stimulating economic development, increasing family income and wealth, and expanding investment in housing and other real estate.

Total amount of projects per neighborhood per year: Historically, LISC Houston has geared the work of the Small Grants program to our GO Neighborhoods. ​

Since 2015, over 52,000 participants organized 100s of projects that leveraged millions towards community building.

Total Dollars Invested per Year: Small Grants between the years 2021 –2023 have been dually funded by Journey Charitable Trust and the Houston Endowment.

The chart below represents the number of awards and projects that were funded as well as their respective pillars

The trend across the three-year periods shows the majority of projects are in the “Supporting Healthy Environments and Lifestyles” pillar, so we are looking forward to charting a new course with our rollout of the 2024 Small Grants RFP.  After analyzing the trends over the past three years’ program and incorporating what we learned from our Envision Houston Community Conversation, our aim is to broaden our scope, encompassing more neighborhoods and expanding our areas of focus. This shift allows us to adopt a more comprehensive approach in supporting communities throughout Houston.

Our goal with our small grants program is to support our residents and communities to assist in creating thriving neighborhoods, and, ultimately, across neighborhoods with an interconnectedness of economic prosperity, cultural richness, education and health access, and an overall vibrant quality of life.

As we look ahead, we encourage each of you to consider how you can contribute to the community's growth and vitality. Whether you have a vision for a new park, a business incubator, a community health initiative, or an arts program, your ideas are the seeds of change.

Applications are now open. We invite you to share your vision, engage your neighbors, and take a step towards shaping the future of our beloved communities. Together, we can create a Houston where every neighborhood thrives, and every voice is represented.

Let's build a brighter future, one community project at a time.

Please read the RFP for project descriptions and timelines.  Complete the application here!

Important Dates:

• Applications will be accepted through April 30, 2024
• Project Timeline: June 2024 – November 30, 2024

For more information, contact Carolyn Andrews, candrews@lisc.org