Applications will open on May 4th at 9am on both the Cleveland Streets Coalition website (Clevelandstreets.org) and on Bike Cleveland’s website (BikeCleveland.org).

Applications are due by Sunday, May 31st at 11:59pm. Applicants will be notified on June 12th and activities must be complete by Friday October 23rd, 2026.

Priority locations for activations are guided by where there are upcoming projects for Cleveland Moves or Vision Zero implementation. For a list of current priority locations for activations CLICK HERE.

Any neighborhood-based group is eligible to apply, regardless of whether it is formally incorporated or has 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Groups without 501(c)(3) status may still apply; Bike Cleveland will serve as the fiscal agent for the duration of the project. Applicants that do have 501(c)(3) status should include a copy of their IRS determination letter with their application.

Individuals are not eligible to apply on their own. This mini-grant program is designed to support neighborhood-based groups that have an ongoing presence and commitment to their communities, helping ensure projects are sustainable and have a lasting impact. However, we encourage individuals to collaborate with a neighborhood-based group to develop and submit an application.

These mini-grants support feasible, small-scale projects that connect to a transportation or infrastructure project that the city has planned, designed, or is currently constructing. The goal is to help residents engage with, understand, and benefit from these investments in their neighborhoods.

Proposed projects do not need to focus exclusively on biking or walking. Creative events and programs that may not be directly related to active transportation, but thoughtfully tie into nearby infrastructure projects, are welcome and encouraged.

Examples of eligible projects include:

• Hosting community events such as a block party, social, movie night, book club, etc.

• Adding an activity to an existing neighborhood event (i.e. tabling at an event with giveaways, organizing a walk or bike ride to an event, hosting an activity at an existing event)

• Neighborhood walks, walk to school events, walk audits

• Neighborhood bike rides, bike to school events, bike audits

• Leading educational workshops or safety trainings

• Distributing safety equipment like helmets, lights, or locks

• Facilitating community conversations, storytelling, or awareness campaigns

• Launching creative initiatives such as photo, video, or essay contests

• Hosting presentations or meetings to engage residents around local infrastructure projects

We encourage applicants to think creatively about how their project can bring people together, build awareness, and strengthen connections to neighborhood infrastructure improvements.

This mini-grant program is intended to support small, community-driven projects that connects residents to local infrastructure investments. As such, we are not able to fund:

• Large-scale capital projects or construction

• Projects that cannot be completed within the grant period. Projects that require city permitting, such as tactical urbanism installations and murals, are not encouraged as part of this grant.

• Projects that are not connected to a planned, designed, or active city infrastructure project

• General operating expenses or ongoing organizational costs (e.g., salaries, rent, utilities)

• Projects that primarily benefit a single individual or private entity rather than the broader community

• Political campaigns, lobbying efforts, or partisan activities

• Requests for equipment or materials without a clear community-facing project or engagement component

If you’re unsure whether your idea is a good fit, we encourage you to reach out—we’re happy to help you think it through.

Yes. Stipends are available for activation leads, but this should not account for more than 40% of the total budget.

No, matching funds are not required. That said, projects that leverage additional funding, partnerships, or in-kind support are encouraged, as they can enhance the overall impact and sustainability of the project.

No, membership in the Cleveland Streets Coalition is not required to apply. However, we welcome and encourage applicants to learn more about the coalition and get involved. 

Applications for the Mini-Grants will be reviewed based on the criteria below. We aim to support projects that are well-planned, community-driven, and aligned with broader transportation and neighborhood goals.

Applications will be evaluated based on the following:

• Alignment with the City Cleveland Vision Zero Action Plan and/or Cleveland Moves Plan: The extent to which the project supports the goals and principles outlined in these plans.

• Feasibility and Sustainability: The clarity and practicality of the proposed project, including realistic goals that can be achieved within the grant period and with the proposed budget.

• Collaboration and Partnerships: The degree to which the project engages neighborhood residents and demonstrates collaboration with community groups, associations, or other relevant partners.

• Innovation and Creativity: The extent to which the project uses creative or innovative approaches to engaging communities around transportation projects.

Grant recipients will be required to submit a brief final report (not more than one page) upon completion of their project or activity. The report will include a summary of the project, key outcomes, and any challenges or lessons learned.

Recipients should also include supporting materials such as project photographs, participant feedback or quotes, and any relevant links to media coverage or public-facing content.

Detailed reporting guidelines will be provided to all successful applicants as part of their award materials.