FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: 06/02/2025 Contact: T'Shailyn Harrington, Neighborhood Outreach and Engagement Specialist Phone: 319-356-5093
City announces recipients of FY26 Program for Improving Neighborhoods (PIN) Grants
The City of Iowa City's Neighborhood Outreach Program has announced the recipients of the latest round of Program for Improving Neighborhoods (PIN) Grants.
For over 30 years, the Neighborhood Outreach Program has helped strengthen Iowa City’s neighborhoods. It supports efforts that enhance quality of life, encourage civic engagement, and bring people together. The PIN Grant is a key part of this work, providing direct support to resident-led projects that promote inclusive community-building. The grant funds a wide range of events, programs, and initiatives that help create spaces where neighbors can connect, collaborate, and feel a sense of belonging. By empowering residents to shape their own communities, the program fosters stronger, more resilient neighborhoods across the city.
City Council allocated $20,000 to the PIN Grant program for FY2026, with a maximum grant amount of $3,000 per neighborhood association. The following neighborhood associations have been awarded funding to implement projects that align with the grant program’s mission:
Deweyville will host its annual block party, bringing together longtime residents, newcomers, and even former neighbors for a celebration featuring food, music, and conversation. The event promotes connection, identifies shared concerns among households, and strengthens the collective voice of the neighborhood.
The Eastside Neighborhood Association will host a series of quarterly social events designed to bring neighbors together and build lasting connections. Activities will range from art projects and a cookie swap to game days and an outdoor movie night, all aimed at creating opportunities for neighbors to meet, engage, and enjoy shared experiences.
Galway Hills will grow its annual summer potluck into a larger, more dynamic neighborhood celebration. The event will bring neighbors together, foster a stronger sense of community, and create meaningful connections across the neighborhood.
The Longfellow Neighborhood Association will continue a variety of community-building efforts, including a printed annual newsletter, Front Porch Music Festival, and monthly 3rd Sunday morning socials at Longfellow Elementary playground. This year, they are exploring hosting Small Group Dinners to encourage deeper neighbor-to-neighbor connections. These projects aim to strengthen neighborhood identity, increase participation, and ensure residents of all ages feel informed and welcomed.
The Miller Orchard Neighborhood Association will host its annual Jamboree, which brings neighbors together and promotes social connections in their diverse community. This event encourages neighbor engagement, fosters connections, and builds momentum for future neighborhood projects.
The Morningside-Glendale Neighborhood Association will support food security and climate resilience by offering workshops on sustainable gardening, fruit tree planting, and food sharing. These initiatives will help residents gain hands-on skills to grow their own food. A neighborhood gathering will also be held to bring residents together and encourage ongoing engagement in community activities.
The Northside Neighborhood Association will host its annual neighborhood gathering to bring together residents from different parts of the neighborhood. The event will feature food, live music, and opportunities for neighbors to meet, socialize, and strengthen community connections.
The Shimek neighborhood is participating as a pilot program to explore creative ways of bringing neighbors together. Through a mix of social gatherings, art activities, and hands-on environmental projects, they will build connection and community. These efforts aim to spark momentum toward forming a formal neighborhood association.
The South District Neighborhood Association is expanding its efforts to engage residents. They will send seasonal postcard mailings, host a neighborhood clean-up event, and resume monthly meetings. These initiatives aim to increase resident participation and provide more opportunities for community involvement throughout the year.
The Wonderful Westside Neighborhood plans to host a Culture Day to celebrate the diverse cultures within the community, featuring a bazaar, performances, food, and music. They will also hold a soccer festival to promote teamwork, healthy living, and foster stronger community connections.
The Wylde-Weeber neighborhood will host a cookie crawl to encourage connection and build community spirit. Residents will be invited to visit participating homes and collect sweet treats along the way. The event offers a lighthearted way for neighbors to meet, mingle, and enjoy time together.
