Euclid City Council approves $250 neighborhood association grants

The Euclid City Council voted unanimously June 2 to approve Ordinance 060-25, authorizing the city to issue its 2025 Neighborhood Association grant, a $250 annual award available to qualifying neighborhood groups and beach clubs.

City staff described the program as a longstanding, small-grant effort to encourage neighborhood organizing and communication between residents and city officials. "We ask again for council support for this $250," an administration staff member said, adding that applications will be mailed if the ordinance passes and that the city typically receives between 12 and 14 applications.

The program requires associations to have been in existence for at least one year and maintain a checking account with two signatories in the association's name, the presenter said. Councilwoman Steele asked about the program limit; the staff reply said the city budgets about $5,000 and will continue issuing grants until the budgeted funds are exhausted. Councilman Cosgrove moved to suspend the rules and forego second and third readings; Steele seconded that motion, and the ordinance passed on roll call.

Council members and staff framed the grant as a low-dollar, high-engagement tool to encourage neighbors to organize, host events and communicate local concerns to city departments. The administration urged residents interested in forming an association to contact City Hall for assistance.

Applications are expected to be mailed within 30 days if the ordinance remains in force. The city did not specify an exact final number of grants to be awarded beyond the budgetary cap of roughly $5,000.