Effective August 8, 2026

Grant Terms

By submitting an application, you agree to these terms for the Community Spark pilot grant program.

Eligibility

Applicants must be individuals or informal citizen groups proposing a project that benefits people or shared places in Chevy Chase. Nonprofits, businesses, political campaigns or advocacy, religious activity, private-property improvements, applicant compensation, personal-benefit projects, and completed work are not eligible. Each applicant may receive one grant during the initial pilot.

Age requirements

Applicants ages 13–17 need an adult sponsor. An adult must complete and submit the application on behalf of anyone under 13 and accept responsibility for the project.

Selection

Applications are considered on a rolling basis. Community Spark may request more information and has sole discretion to select projects. Applying does not guarantee funding, and Community Spark is not required to award all available funds on any schedule.

Award and payment

Award amounts are up to $1,000 per project. Unless an alternative is agreed to in writing, payment is reimbursement after the approved project is completed and receipts, photos, and a brief completion report are provided. Applicants who cannot pre-fund a project may request an alternative plan, but an alternative is not guaranteed.

Project responsibilities

Recipients are responsible for completing the approved project, generally within six months; using funds only for the approved budget; obtaining required permissions; following applicable laws and safety requirements; supervising participating minors; and promptly reporting material changes. An award may be changed or withdrawn if these conditions are not met or application information is materially inaccurate.

Publicity

Community Spark may share a funded project’s title, general description, location, results, and approved photos or video. Applicants may opt out of having their name published. Additional permission will be requested before identifying or prominently featuring a child.

Responsibility and relationship

Recipients control and carry out their own projects. A grant does not create employment, agency, partnership, or endorsement. To the extent permitted by law, Community Spark and its organizers are not responsible for injuries, losses, property damage, disputes, or claims arising from an applicant’s project.

Privacy and changes

Application information is handled under our Privacy Notice. Community Spark may update these terms for future applications; the terms in effect when an application is submitted will apply to that application.

Contact

Questions may be sent to communitysparksmd@gmail.com.