During Mayor Goodwin's 2025 State of the City Address, she emphasized the importance of continued community engagement and outreach through several initiatives--including the creation of the Hearts of our Neighborhood, a city-wide initiative that will help fund neighborhood projects and encourage partnerships between local businesses, nonprofits, and government. What follows is a comprehensive breakdown of the initiative and how to get involved.
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Project Narrative
Application Form
Application Submission Checklist
Application Deadlines and Decision Dates
Project Cost Range
Applicant Eligibility
Project Eligibility
Application Guidelines
For Questions / To Contact the Program Coordinator
Project Examples
Project Narrative
Because of our work with so many amazing people throughout our city, I’m proud to introduce a new initiative: Hearts of Our Neighborhood. This city-wide initiative is designed to identify, revitalize, and celebrate the spaces that serve as vital gathering points for our city’s diverse neighborhoods.
Hearts of Our Neighborhood will focus on funding projects that physically enhance community life—spaces that bring people together for recreation, education, celebration, and support. This initiative also emphasizes the importance of collaboration. It encourages partnerships among residents, nonprofits, small businesses, and government agencies—fostering teamwork and combining resources to achieve lasting, shared impact.
By supporting tangible, community-rooted projects, Hearts of Our Neighborhood aims to build pride, promote safety and cleanliness, and strengthen the physical and social fabric of our neighborhoods.
Application Form
Application Submission Checklist
A complete Hearts of Our Neighborhood submission includes:
- A complete application form.
- Include the project description, purpose, and impact.
- Include any available example(s) and/or cost estimate(s).
- Save a copy of the application form for your file.
- (if applicable) Proof of nonprofit status or organization affiliation
- Reference images for project concept and/or location.
Submit the above items to HeartsOfOurNeighborhood@cityofcharleston.org with the subject line “Hearts Application – [applicant/project name]”.
Application Deadlines and Decision Dates
Applications will be due by 5 p.m. on the following dates:
- June 15, 2025, for the July 15 project cycle
- September 15, 2025, for the October 15 project cycle
- February 15, 2026, for March 15, 2026, project cycle
Applications received after the deadline will be considered during the next application window, pending the availability of funding for projects.
Project Cost Range
Eligible projects should fall within an estimated total cost range of $1,000 to $10,000.
Applicant Eligibility
The following types of organizations are eligible to submit a project to be considered as part of the “Hearts of Our Neighborhood” program:
- Individuals
- Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status
- Community/local business associations and neighborhood groups
- Educational Institutions (projects must serve the broader community)
- Faith-based organizations (projects must serve the broader community and not be religious in nature)
- For-profit businesses (projects must not generate direct financial profit for the applicant)
The following are not eligible to apply for the program:
- Political organizations or lobbying groups
- Individuals or organizations with outstanding financial or reporting obligations related to previous funding or agreements with the City of Charleston
- Individuals or organizations not in good legal standing—including those with active warrants, pending criminal charges for financial misconduct, fraud, or offenses that may impact the integrity of the application process.
Project Eligibility
Project must meet the following criteria:
- Be located within the City of Charleston OR primarily serve and benefit residents within the City of Charleston.
- Be located on city property—including, but not limited to, parks and community centers
- Fulfill a current community need, including, but not limited to:
- community gardens,
- neighborhood beautification,
- youth or senior activities,
- playground enhancements,
- passive space improvements, and
- neighborhood safety enhancements that promote community engagement.
- Be accessible to the entire community and meet all required ADA compliance guidelines.
Location Exception: Project may be located not on non-city property, provided the project meets all other application requirements and is agreed upon by all legal parties.
A list of project examples that could be eligible for the “Hearts of Our Neighborhood” program has been included below.
The following types of projects are not eligible for consideration:
- Include private or for-cost activities within the scope of the project.
- Provide direct financial benefit to an individual.
- Involve the purchase or use of materials subject to special safety, environmental, or regulatory requirements, including medical supplies and those requiring specific handling, disposal, or permitting.
Application Guidelines
Please read the following guidelines carefully to ensure a clear understanding of the requirements.
- All applications will be individually evaluated by a review committee, scored based on a standardized rubric, and approved based on merit, alignment with program goals, and available funding.
- Project must demonstrate the ability to comply with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations upon completion.
- All selected applicants will be required to sign a letter of agreement with the City of Charleston, outlining the City’s right to execute the project and its intended outcomes for the community.
- The Hearts of Our Neighborhood program is managed by the City of Charleston with the valuable input of city directors, city council members, and representatives from community associations.
For Questions / To Contact the Program Coordinator
For any questions regarding the Hearts of Our Neighborhood program, please call or email Andrew Workman at 304-348-8174 or HeartsOfOurNeighbhorhood@cityofcharleston.org.
Project Examples
Below is a list of project examples that could be eligible for funding.
Beautification: Adding decorative planters, flower beds, or creative crosswalk designs to enhance walkability and the overall charm of the neighborhood.
Community Garden: Creating a space for residents to grow fresh produce and plants.
Lighting Improvements: Installing streetlights or pathway lighting in areas that would benefit from improved visibility and safety.
Neighborhood Book-Sharing Station/Boxes: Installing small book-sharing stations to promote literacy in neighborhoods.
New Playground Equipment: Installing or upgrading playground structures in public parks.
Outdoor Community Event Spaces: Installing small outdoor stages, amphitheaters, or gathering areas for public use.
Outdoor Fitness Areas: Setting up community exercise equipment in a park or green space.
Picnic & Seating Areas: Adding benches, picnic tables, or shade structures to a public space.
Public Bulletin Boards: Setting up community information kiosks or announcement boards in high-traffic areas.
Street Safety / Utility: Installing additional bike racks, renewing crosswalk markings, and installing new fencing.
Vacant Lot Cleanup & Greening: Transforming vacant lots into usable community spaces, contingent upon securing ownership or partnership for ongoing maintenance and management.