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

Block party grants now open! Apply by July 10th

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Block party grants now open! Apply by July 10th |

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

Want to host an outdoor event for your neighborhood?
The CivicLex Block Party Mini Grant can help make it happen! This grant supports outdoor neighborhood gatherings held on a public street or in a public park between August and December 2026.

We’ll be funding 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 1 and December 31, 2026. Your gathering 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 you and your community.

Deadline for applications is July 10th, 2026.

Questions? Email Megan Gulla at megan@civiclex.org

Apply here

The details:

  • Anyone that lives in Fayette County. If you have an idea and are confident that you can make it happen, you should apply.

  • A block party location should be on a public street or at a public park that is visible, accessible, and can safely and comfortably accommodate a group of people and any activities they will be participating in.

  • Any time between September 8th, 2025 and December 31st, 2025.

  • Your neighbors! We hope these events strengthen connections in your communities, so think about getting the word out to people on your street and close by.

  • Definitely, and we hope that you do! It’s easier to organize a party with a group of people. Plus, you can get to know your neighbors better if you work with them on a project.

  • Accepted applicants will receive funding in two installments and should be prepared to submit a W-9. The first installment will be sent after acceptance and the second will be sent after a detailed project plan is approved by the CivicLex program lead.

  • We ask that selected applicants take photos and/or videos of their event to be shared with CivicLex.

  • CivicLex will be available to advise on event planning and navigating the LFUCG permitting process.

    • If your event will be on a public street: submit a separate block party application to LFUCG within two weeks of your acceptance notification. CivicLex can work with you to fill this out if you would like. You can access the application here.

    • If your event will be at a public park: submit a separate indoor or outdoor facility rental application to LFUCG within two weeks of your acceptance notification. CivicLex can work with you to fill this out if you would like. You can access the application here.

    • You will need to agree to an Indemnification and Hold Harmless Provision

Apply here

Club Mini-Grants

In Spring of 2026, the new Porch to Porch Club Mini-Grant program is 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 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 will be hosting neighborhood gatherings 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!