A program from CivicLex that is providing support for neighborhood events and resources in Fayette County.

Overview

In many communities today, it’s become less common for people to regularly connect with their neighbors. Busy lives, changing landscapes, and other barriers have made it harder to build those everyday relationships that help communities thrive.

At CivicLex, we believe strong civic health starts close to home with the connections we have to the people around us. That’s why we’re supporting neighbors who want to come together to create events, share resources, and build a stronger sense of community with mini grant programs.

Through block parties, hyper-local newsletters, and cross club collaborations, we’re exploring what happens when neighbors are given simple tools and a little bit of support to come together. These efforts are meant to be flexible, community-led, and designed to reflect the unique character of each neighborhood or club(s).

We’re hoping to learn more about what helps build stronger relationships, spark local pride, and strengthen civic health from the ground up.

Block Party Grant

This grant funds six gatherings anywhere in Fayette County that follow LFUCG guidelines. Selected applicants will each receive $250 to organize and host their event anytime between August and December 2026. Gatherings can be a traditional block party with food and music or something seasonal — like a Halloween decoration party or neighborhood caroling. As long as it’s in a public space and open to the neighborhood, the details are up to the community.

This project was supported by With Neighbors. With Neighbors is funding a national wave of microgrants with organizers all over the country to strengthen civic life by inviting neighbors to gather. It’s a national neighborhood microgrant blitz! Group Hug, Relational Tech Project, and Connective Tissue are all a part of With Neighbors.

The selected block parties:

  • Green Acres, Hollow Creek, and Breckenridge neighborhood associations are hosting a Fall Break kids day for families and kids during their Fall Break.

  • Fox Den circle will have a fall festival with pumpkin painting, bonfires s’mores, hot cocoa, and activities for kids.

  • Crawford Middle School’s 6th grade Leadership Academy civic’s class is hosting a block party in Dixie Park.

  • Port Royal Court will have a potluck with food, a dj, games, and activities.

  • Seven Parks neighborhood will have a block-printing block party at Arcadia Park. Supplies will be provided to create designs to stamp onto t-shirts and paper.

  • West Short Street will have a block party with gelato, live music, and food trucks.

Club Mini-Grants

In Spring of 2026, the new Porch to Porch Club Mini-Grant program funded club collaborations in Fayette County! Two or more clubs could apply together for up to $500 to fund an event or activity that they organize and host in collaboration. The events or activities should include club members and be advertised and open to the public.

The selected club collaborations:

  • The Marafiki Center and AfroLex hosted a hand-on workshop to teach high school students networking skills.

  • Southland Park Neighborhood Association, Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary, Southern Hills United Methodist Church, Boy Scouts, Knights of Columbus, & Church Outreach Committees hosted a neighborhood gathering to connect residents to each other, the local institutions, and neighborhood leadership.

  • Institute 193 and Seedleaf will be hosting an event for Lexington Still Life Club where attendees draw local produce and tools from Seedleaf, while learning about local food systems.

Neighborhood Mini-Grant
Pilot Program

In 2025, we funded 3 neighborhood block parties and 2 hyper-local newsletters through a mini-grant pilot program. These projects showed us how impactful neighborhood resources can be, and directly informed the Porch to Porch mini-grant program. A second round of grants was announced June 2026!

Neighborhood Block Parties

Neighborhood block parties supported by this grant were hosted in Joyland, Rand Ave, and the West End. Neighbors both long-time and new, gathered for fall-themed crafts, games, and shared meals!

Neighborhood Newsletters

Neighborhood newsletters supported by this grant were for Pralltown and Bell Court. These proved to be excellent resources for the neighbors in these communities with each publishing three editions and plans to continue!