Empower Neighborhoods Program (ENP)

Facilitating Catalytic Community Projects

The Empower Neighborhoods Program (ENP) is a Homebase-managed CDBG funded project assistance program through the City of Cincinnati in coordination with The U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The program began it’s first funding cycle in FY2026, with $900,000 being allocated from the City of Cincinnati to support 1-3 community projects.

The purpose of ENP is to support emerging CDCs and organizations “jump start” foundational projects in their communities. The program provides flexible funding to be responsive to a neighborhood’s needs. The main objectives are to support community revitalization, advance both existing and new projects, and act as a catalyst for transformative change within neighborhoods.

Communities that have not received community development funding in the past, with an Area Median Income at or below the poverty line, are considered priority neighborhoods for this funding pool.

ENP ELIGIBLE NEIGHBORHOODS

Avondale

Bond Hill

Camp Washington

Carthage

Corryville

CUF

East End

East Price Hill

East Westwood

CDBG Target Areas

English Woods

Evanston

Kennedy Heights

Linwood

Lower Price Hill

Madisonville

Millvale

Mount Airy

Mount Auburn

North Fairmount

Northside

Over-The-Rhine

Pendleton

Riverside

Roselawn

Sedamsville

South Cumminsville

South Fairmount

Spring Grove Village

Villages at Roll Hill

Walnut Hills

West End

West Price Hill

Westwood

Winton Hills

FY2026 Recipients

Carthage Commons

Carthage Commons is a proposed community gathering space that intends to be used as a hub of community gathering, events, and the home of the Carthage Civic League. The site includes an open lawn with sensory play features, detention basin and shade trees, a widened walking path, and a facility with a covered stage for indoor activities.

Spring Grove Village Facade Improvements

This project will revitalize and enhance the visual and functional appeal of long-standing businesses in the Spring Grove Village community. Through a range of exterior upgrades, including facade renovations, storefront repairs, updated signage, improved exterior hardscapes, and the addition of exterior amenities, the program seeks to increase the aesthetic and economic vitality of the neighborhood.

REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY FOR FUNDING

Below is a summary overview of basic eligibility to apply.

Organizational Eligibility:

This funding is made available to Community Development Corporations (CDCs) within a neighborhood. 

  • Recognizing that not all neighborhoods have a CDC, then the following organizations within a neighborhood may apply for that neighborhood’s funds:

    • Business associations

    • Community councils

    • Improvement associations

    • A community development corporation of an adjacent neighborhood that is willing to perform project management for the project in conjunction with the other community based organizations housed within the neighborhood

  • Submissions must be signed by a person who has the legal authority to contractually bind the Offeror.

    • The submission shall include, but is not limited to, the following:

    • A Proposed Process and Timeline for providing services as described.

    • A Demonstration of Technical Skill and Expertise in Long-Range Planning Experience and Capacity of Personnel

Project Eligibility:

Funding may be used for the betterment of the neighborhood through the following options that align with the requirements put forth by HUD for the CDBG grant, as outlined in the CDBG guide to national objectives:

  • Acquisition of Real Property 2-3 (chapter – page number from above linked guide)

  • Public Facilities and Improvements 2-11

  • Construction of Housing 2-47

  • Special Economic Development Activities 2-55

The entity applying for funds, if for the improvement or construction, must have ownership or long-term control of the property and expressed permission of the owner.

Interested in learning more about Empowering Neighborhoods Program funding?

Please email alexus.wimbish@homebasecincy.org for more details.