Neighborhood Engagement Grants Return in 2026
Foellinger Foundation is proud to once again partner with the City of Fort Wayne’s Department of Neighborhoods for the 2026 Fort Wayne Neighborhood Engagement Grant Program for the second consecutive year. Funded by a Special Opportunity Grant from Foellinger Foundation and managed and administered by the City of Fort Wayne’s Department of Neighborhoods, this program provides grants to neighborhood associations to support programs and events that foster connection, collaboration, and relationship-building.
“We are proud to provide funding for this exciting grant program,” shared Sarah Strimmenos, President and CEO of Foellinger Foundation. “These grants represent a shared commitment between Foellinger Foundation and the City of Fort Wayne’s Department of Neighborhoods to build a vibrant and connected community, something that the Foellinger family greatly valued.”
The Fort Wayne Neighborhood Engagement Grant Program provides funding to help neighborhood associations host events and programs that bring residents, businesses, and organizations together to strengthen neighborhood connections. Grant funds can be requested for up to $5,000 to support activities such as block parties, educational workshops, neighborhood clean-up events, and social gatherings. The program's goal is to encourage collaboration and volunteerism in neighborhoods and to address collective needs in ways that can make a positive, lasting impact.
Twelve Neighborhood Engagement Grants were awarded, totaling $49,146.
The recipients were announced on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Below is the list of recipients:
Beacon Woods will utilize funds to support their neighborhood Summer Bash event.
Caribe Colony will use funds to support their three annual events: Caribe Colony 5k, Summer Block Party, and Fall Festival.
Crestwood will host a summer block party event for their residents.
Eastside will host an internet awareness workshop for seniors in their neighborhood. They will also use the funds to support their local back-to-school event.
Hamiton will use their award to purchase supplies for their local back-to-school event.
Harvester will host their annual Party in the Park event and co-host their local back-to-school event.
Memorial Park will host Volunteer Orientation, Party with a Purpose Block Party, and Family Skating Party, as well as co-host their local back-to-school event.
Northside will utilize funds to support their annual Lakeside Concert event.
Packard Area Planning Alliance will use the grant award to support their Fall Celebration event.
Renaissance Pointe will host an education workshop series, as well as a Fall Block Party.
Wedgewood Community will use funds to support their annual Oktoberfest event.
Woodland Lake will use the grant award to support several events: Yard of the Month, a Youth- Playground event, a Teen Engagement event, Family Entertainment Event, and an Ice Cream Social.
To learn more, visit Engage Fort Wayne.
Nine Neighborhood Engagement Grants totaling $40,000 were awarded in 2025. The Northside Neighborhood Association used its grant to celebrate its 50th anniversary by expanding the event’s reach and impact while continuing a beloved annual neighborhood tradition. Read our blog to learn more about this annual celebration of neighborhood pride and history.