A key funding opportunity for East Bank neighborhoods

The University of Minnesota’s Good Neighbor Fund is an important source of support for projects that strengthen neighborhoods adjacent to the Twin Cities campus. For the 2027 grant cycle, the University announced up to $112,000 in available funding through the Good Neighbor Fund endowment. The long-term purpose of the fund is to enhance and protect the beauty, stability, vitality, and security of campus-adjacent communities.

Eligible applicants must be member organizations of the Stadium Area Advisory Group, be duly organized and incorporated, and have systems in place to ensure financial accountability. The University’s 2027 Request for Applications lists member organizations that include the East Bank Neighborhoods Partnership.

EBNP is eligible to submit applications connected to the neighborhoods and business districts we serve. The Good Neighbor Fund is especially well aligned with EBNP’s mission because it supports project-based investments that improve neighborhood quality of life, strengthen business districts, build community identity, and foster civic involvement. The University’s application materials also note that strong proposals are those that leverage other resources, create broad and lasting impact, enhance rather than duplicate existing efforts, and clearly demonstrate results.

GOOD NEIGHBOR FUND 2027

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THE NEXT ROUND OF FUNDING

Apply for the Good Neighbor Fund Through EBNP

The East Bank Neighborhoods Partnership is pleased to help community organizations and private individuals apply for funding through the University of Minnesota's Good Neighbor Fund (GNF).

The Good Neighbor Fund supports projects that strengthen neighborhoods surrounding the University of Minnesota, encourage community involvement, and improve the quality of life for local residents.

How to Apply

Step 1: Share Your Project Idea

Have an idea for a neighborhood improvement, community event, environmental initiative, or other project? Start by completing our brief Good Neighbor Fund Pre-Proposal Form.

This form helps EBNP learn about your project, its goals, estimated costs, and how it would benefit the community.

Step 2: Review EBNP's Funding Policies

Organizations seeking funding through EBNP must review and acknowledge three policies covering grant-funded equipment ownership, equipment lending and care, and reimbursement and payment documentation.

These policies help ensure that grant funds are used responsibly, purchases are properly documented, and equipment remains available for community benefit.

Step 3: Work With EBNP

EBNP will review your pre-proposal and discuss your project with you. We can help identify potential questions, clarify project budgets, and explain the requirements involved in applying for Good Neighbor Fund support.

Step 4: Submit a Full Proposal

Following the pre-proposal review, eligible projects may be invited to move forward with a complete Good Neighbor Fund application, subject to the Fund's requirements and deadlines.

Ready to Get Started?

We encourage neighborhood residents, community groups, and local organizations to share their ideas with us.

Have questions before applying? Contact EBNP to discuss your project and learn more about the application process.

Submitting a pre-proposal does not guarantee funding or EBNP sponsorship. All projects are subject to applicable eligibility requirements, review, and approval.

EBNP’s 2026 Awards

On March 24, 2026, EBNP was awarded funds for the seven applications submitted. These projects reflect the breadth of EBNP’s work across our neighborhoods and business districts:

  • Creation of a business association for the East Bank neighborhood business districts ($15,000)

  • Bike safety improvements and additional bike racks for businesses ($10,000)

  • Seating boulders for Talmage Crossing Prairie Garden ($4711)

  • Raised garden beds at Van Cleve Park ($3776)

  • A Sustainability Fair at University Lutheran Church of Hope ($7000)

  • Music in the Gardens at Van Cleve Park ($2418)

  • A Tuttle School Block Party ($4523)

Together, these projects demonstrate how EBNP is using the Good Neighbor Fund to support public space improvements, neighborhood identity, business district vitality, sustainability, arts programming, and community-building.

A strong record of implementation

EBNP and the neighborhood organizations that came before it have a strong history of turning ideas into visible, successful community projects. Over the years, our organization and its predecessor groups have helped implement dozens of initiatives that improved neighborhood life, strengthened local partnerships, and made East Bank communities more vibrant and connected.

Past and ongoing successes have included (but are not limited to):

  • University Neighborhoods Partnership

  • Southeast Seniors Community Connections

  • Digitizing Southeast Minneapolis Publications

  • Chateau Mural

  • Free Bike Racks

  • Dinkytown Farmers Market

  • Improvements at Elwell Park

  • Utility Box Wraps

  • Art in the Gardens

  • Bikefest

These projects demonstrate that EBNP is not only prepared to apply for competitive grant funding, but also prepared to deliver. From public art and placemaking to mobility improvements, small business support, community events, and neighborhood beautification, our track record shows that external investment can translate into meaningful results on the ground.

Why the Good Neighbor Fund matters

The Good Neighbor Fund was created to support projects that benefit the communities surrounding the University of Minnesota. It is not intended for ongoing operations, but for projects with clear public value and long-term benefit. Applications are evaluated in part on how effectively they carry out the purpose of the fund, mitigate stadium-related impacts, leverage additional resources, and contribute to a broader shared identity across adjacent neighborhoods.

That makes the fund a natural fit for EBNP. Our work is rooted in collaboration, place-based investment, and practical improvements that neighbors can see and experience. Whether the project involves safer biking, stronger business districts, greener public spaces, local arts, or inclusive community events, the Good Neighbor Fund helps make those ideas possible.