February 13, 2025 –This Valentine’s Day, the City of Allentown is showing its love for the community by launching the Love Your Block Mini-Grant Program, a neighborhood revitalization initiative designed to bring residents together and spark positive change. This pilot program is focused on Franklin Park, the area between 10th and 17th Streets and Hamilton and Liberty Streets.
Starting Friday, February 14, 2025, Franklin Park residents and community groups can submit proposals for improvement projects like beautifying public spaces, sprucing up small facades, and strengthening neighborhood bonds. Selected projects will receive $500–$5,000 in funding and resources to bring their ideas to life.
“Sometimes it’s the little things that make a neighborhood really interesting: a funky piece of public art or a regular gathering in a community space.” said Mayor Matt Tuerk. “We’re confident that our neighbors have some ideas about what could make Franklin Park really shine, and we want to empower them to make those investments. Through our partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies, we’re putting resources directly into the hands of the people who want to make their community better.”
“We’re going to make it simple for residents to turn their ideas into reality. Whether you’re ready to go or just feeling inspired, we’ll connect you with neighbors to make it happen.” added Avery Daniels, Love Your Block Fellow. “This Valentine’s Day, we’re encouraging residents to show some love for Franklin Park by pitching their best ideas for improving their neighborhood.”
“Each Love Your Block city helps demonstrate one of the most important skills required to drive innovation in city halls – the ability to center resident voices,” said Amanda Daflos, Executive Director of the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University. “We are excited to partner with The City of Allentown to build on the successful legacy of support from Bloomberg Philanthropies and Cities of Service and accelerate their efforts to partner with communities to drive local impact through funding, staff support, and the innovation expertise to help sustain resident-led change.”
What the Mini-Grant Covers
Projects eligible for funding include, but are not limited to:
- Trash clean-ups and litter prevention initiatives
- Community garden installations and beautification efforts
- Small facade improvement projects
- Other volunteer-led projects that improve the neighborhood
How to Apply
Applications Open: Friday, February 14, 2025
Deadline to Apply: April 4, 2025
Apply Online: www.allentownpa.gov/loveyourblock
The Franklin Park Love Your Block Mini-Grant Initiative is a pilot program, with city officials evaluating opportunities to expand it to other neighborhoods in the future.
About Love Your Block
Love Your Block is a national grant program that funds resident-led neighborhood revitalization projects in U.S. cities. From transforming vacant lots into community gardens to repairing playgrounds and removing debris, the program enables residents to design, develop, and deliver initiatives that improve their communities.
Supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, Love Your Block builds on the successful legacy of Cities of Service, which has helped hundreds of mayors and municipalities engage residents as a leading voice in public problem-solving since its launch by New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg in 2009.
Information provided to TVL by:
Genesis Ortega
http://www.AllentownPA.gov
