Greensboro and Winston-Salem Received Grant Funding

The cities secured $70,000 for a program aimed at revitalizing public spaces through resident-led cleanup efforts.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Philanthropy

Bold vector editorial illustration showing yellow work gloves on a wooden planter with saplings, representing neighborhood revitalization efforts. — Greensboro and Winston-Salem secured $70,000 in grant funding for the Love Your Block initiative to revitalize public spaces through resident-led cleanup efforts. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe resident-led neighborhood cleanup initiatives improve your local community?

In September 2026, Greensboro and Winston-Salem were selected to join the Love Your Block initiative. Each city will receive a $70,000 grant to clean up abandoned or deteriorating properties.

Why it matters

The initiative aims to beautify vacant lots and public spaces to improve local neighborhoods. By providing grant funding, mini-grants, and volunteer support, the program empowers residents to lead revitalization efforts in their own communities.

Each city received $70,000 in funding as part of a cohort of 25 local governments across 20 states. The broader initiative has removed over 7 million pounds of trash and cleaned 550,000 square feet of space since 2009.

The players

Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation

This center based at Johns Hopkins University manages the Love Your Block initiative to support urban revitalization efforts.

Johns Hopkins University

The private research university in Baltimore, Maryland, houses the center responsible for administering the national grant program.

The details

The Love Your Block program, managed by the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University, focuses on clearing neglected properties. The grant money will be used to fund resident-led projects and provide operational support from a dedicated program fellow.

The Bloomberg Center started the program in 2009.
Greensboro and Winston-Salem were selected in September 2026.
Winston-Salem program operations begin in January 2027.

Market Landscape

This grant selection follows a pattern set by the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation's long-standing model of providing municipal support for community-driven neighborhood improvement. The initiative demonstrates a broader shift toward centralized philanthropy providing specialized personnel and funding to aid local government urban development.

Residents in Greensboro and Winston-Salem can expect to see increased opportunities to participate in cleanup projects and community beautification efforts. The infusion of grant funds and dedicated support fellows aims to improve public property aesthetics and local neighborhood environments for area residents.

The takeaway

The Love Your Block initiative highlights how targeted micro-grants and administrative support can catalyze neighborhood improvement projects. Residents interested in improving their local environment should monitor city updates for opportunities to participate in upcoming volunteer cleanup events.