Fort Wayne, Ind. – The City of Fort Wayne’s Department of Neighborhoods announced that twelve neighborhood associations have been awarded micro‑grants of up to $1,500 each through the fall session of the Sparked at Inspire program. The grants, funded in partnership with the Indiana Michigan Power Foundation, are designed to help residents put ideas from the annual Inspire Neighborhoods Conference into practice.

Grant recipients and intended uses

The following associations received funding and outlined how the money will be applied:

• Bluewater Estates: new entrance and event signage.
• Creighton Home: IRS designation support and community mailers.
• East Central: insurance and community signage.
• East Side: door hangers and association meeting signs.
• Fairfield Terrace Belmont: community mailers.
• Hacienda Village: neighborhood directory and door hangers.
• Harvester: insurance, community mailers, meeting supplies and promotional items.
• LaRez: community mailers.
• Memorial Park: IRS designation support.
• North Anthony: community newsletters and event signage.
• Oak Borough: promotional items.
• Williams Woodland Park: event marketing materials.

These projects focus on practical needs such as legal assistance, marketing materials, signage, newsletters and event promotion – tools that help neighborhoods communicate, organize and host community events.

Program background and impact

The Sparked at Inspire program grew out of the city’s annual Inspire Neighborhoods Conference, held September 11 at Electric Works. The conference brings together association leaders, city staff and partners to share best practices and new ideas for strengthening neighborhoods. This year marked the fourth conference, and the grant program has now awarded a total of 23 grants in 2026 – eleven in the spring session and twelve in the fall.

Fort Wayne Neighborhoods Director Dan Baisden praised the partnership with the Indiana Michigan Power Foundation, noting that the collaboration “demonstrates how the community is working with residents to improve their neighborhoods.” The grants are intended to empower local volunteers, reduce administrative barriers and foster a sense of ownership among residents.

How to apply and learn more

Neighborhood associations interested in future funding can find application details on the program’s website, InspireFortWayne.com. The site also provides resources from past conferences, templates for community outreach and contact information for city staff who can assist with grant planning.

By providing modest, targeted funding, the city and its foundation partner aim to turn conference ideas into tangible improvements that enhance safety, pride and connectivity across Fort Wayne’s diverse neighborhoods.

Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.