Share your idea
Tell us what you want to make happen, who benefits, where it takes place, and what it will cost.
Up to$1,000per project
The idea
A spark worth backing.
Community Spark is a rolling microgrant fund for creative, citizen-led projects. We support ideas that feel useful, joyful, surprising, or overdue—and the people ready to make them happen.
The community panel funds projects it is genuinely excited about until the pilot fund is fully committed.
How it works
Panel review
A small community panel checks eligibility and looks for impact, creativity, feasibility, and a capable project lead.
Make it real
Selected applicants get a conditional award, then have up to six months to complete the work.
Show the result
Send receipts, a few photos, and a brief reflection. Once approved, your grant is paid and your story can inspire others.
What gets us excited
Ideas with roots—and a little lift.
Scoring supports the conversation, but it never replaces judgment. A project is funded only when the panel believes in both the idea and the person carrying it forward.
Local and catalytic impact
A tangible benefit for people or shared spaces in Chevy Chase, where a small grant can make a meaningful difference.
Creativity
A fresh, resourceful idea with a distinctive point of view.
Applicant caliber
Initiative, sound judgment, and the ability to carry the idea through.
Feasibility
A realistic plan, budget, timeline, and path to any permissions.
Community spirit
A constructive, welcoming idea that strengthens neighborhood life.
A good fitMade by neighbors,
Made by neighbors,
for neighbors.
- Individuals and informal groups
- Youth with an adult sponsor
- Projects benefiting Chevy Chase
- Clear, itemized budgets up to $1,000 per project
- Work completed within six months
Not a fit
Not for political or nonprofit orgs.
- Nonprofits or businesses
- Political or religious activity
- Private-property improvements
- Alcohol or applicant compensation
- Personal-benefit or completed projects
Good to know
Frequently asked questions.
Who can apply?+
Individuals and informal citizen groups may apply. Nonprofits and businesses are not eligible. Applicants under 18 need an adult sponsor.
What counts as Chevy Chase?+
Any community commonly considered Chevy Chase, Maryland. Your project should clearly benefit local people or a shared local place.
How much can I request?+
Up to $1,000 per project. Your application must include an itemized budget, and smaller requests are welcome.
What kinds of projects are you looking for?+
We’re hoping to fund a wide range of ideas—think fixing a trailhead in Rock Creek Park or planting a new garden at a traffic light. You could install local libraries across our neighborhood or build out a lemonade stand to fund local entrepreneurs. Or maybe you want to paint a mural at one of our neighborhood spots. We’re looking for projects that are creative, have longevity, and can be enjoyed by all Chevy Chase residents. We’re partial to funding projects led by citizens who have demonstrated that they will follow through. We’re also open to serving as matching funds if your project needs more than $1,000.
When are applications due?+
There are no rounds or deadlines. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and all applicants receive a decision within 30 days of a complete submission.
How and when is the grant paid?+
Grants are normally reimbursed after the project is complete and you provide receipts and a short completion report. If you cannot pre-fund the work, tell us in your application and we will explore an alternative plan with you.
How long do I have to finish?+
Approved projects should generally be completed within six months.
What is not eligible?+
We do not fund nonprofits, businesses, political advocacy or campaigns, religious activity, private-property improvements, alcohol, compensation for the applicant, personal-benefit projects, or work already completed.
Can I apply again?+
Each applicant may receive one grant during this initial $10,000 pilot. If your idea is declined, you may submit a different project.
How can I get involved?+
We’d love to hear from you! Email us at communitysparksmd@gmail.com if you’d like to contribute to the grant, help spread the word, or support a local idea.
Why are you doing this?+
Community Spark is intended to give back to a neighborhood that has given us so much. It is funded by local residents who want to empower citizens to build a more connected neighborhood. If all goes well with this pilot, our hope is that this program grows into something more permanent.
Your turn
What would you
make possible?
The application should take about 15 minutes. All applicants can expect to receive a decision within 30 days.
Start your application →