$500 Microgrants Offered To Uplift Redondo Beach Neighborhoods

REDONDO BEACH, CA — Sometimes it’s the little things that have the biggest impact. That’s why the Nextdoor Kind Foundation is offering $500 microgrants to 100 Los Angeles County residents with big ideas for changing their little corner of the world.

The idea is simple: Any individual with creative ideas and projects benefiting their Los Angeles County community can apply. The application period is open until March 29. The grant-winning initiatives will be ones that spark civic engagement and strengthen the community, said Devanshi Mehta, Nextdoor Finance Business Partner.

The goal, said Mehta, is “to focus on inspiring and empowering hyperlocal leaders to create impact in their communities, really, one neighborhood at a time.”

According to Mehta, examples of projects can include organizing a community walk or clean up, connecting the community through murals or other art projects, refurbishing parks or playscapes, purchasing equipment for youth sports programs or clubs, organizing neighborhood or community meals, starting a farmer’s market stand, and bringing groceries to neighbors and community members in need.

“We really want to take the time to back and empower so many leaders who are doing things in Los Angeles,” Mehta said.

In many cases, people are already performing these community services, in their daily lives, but the $500 grant could help them scale up or inspire others to get involved, she added.

The grants are designed for individuals, but the applicants can take on projects for the benefit of community groups or nonprofits, said Mehta. One such example would be buying pickleball equipment for the Boys and Girls Club, she added.

“Local leaders understand their neighborhoods best, and the actions that will have the greatest impact for their communities,” said Shireen Santosham, Executive Director, Nextdoor Kind Foundation. “These microgrants will provide civically-engaged Angelenos the opportunity to advance their work and ideas and build connection and kindness in their neighborhoods.”

According to the Nextdoor Kind Foundation, the applications will be judged on how well their initiatives illustrate community impact, foster community collaboration, include measurable outcomes, and help uplift under-resourced communities. The grant review process will take place in April.

Los Angeles County residents can apply for the microgrant here.

It’s the second year in a row that the foundation has given out grants to strengthen communities. In 2023, the Nextdoor Kind Foundation teamed up with the NAACP and Hello Alice to distribute $200,000 to US small businesses owned by individuals of color as part of the Keep It Local Business Grant Program.