Columbia Heights and Mount Pleasant are two distinct DC neighborhoods that are home to a multicultural mix of residents and businesses. This study aims to improve the quality and accessibility of public spaces in these neighborhoods, reflecting community needs and aspirations while supporting vibrant and inclusive environments.

New Grant Opportunity! Applications due Nov 30, 2026

The DC Office of Planning (OP) invites qualified organizations to apply for the Columbia Heights and Mount Pleasant Public Realm Improvement Grant, which will support projects that advance the Columbia Heights and Mount Pleasant Vision Framework for Public Realm Design / Columbia Heights y Mount Pleasant​ Marco de visión para el diseño del ámbito público​.

Applications are being accepted until 3:00 pm on November 30, 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Up to $200,000 is available, with no more than two awards anticipated. Funding is not guaranteed. The anticipated grant period is January 2027 through September 30, 2027. 

Additional details about the grant, application process, and virtual information session are available in the Request for Applications (RFA). 

For additional questions about this grant opportunity, contact [email protected].

On this page

• Virtual Grant Information Session: Nov 5, 2026
• Who is Eligible to Apply
• How to Apply
• Frequently Asked Questions

Virtual Grant Information Session: Nov 5, 2026

Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time

You’re invited to attend a virtual information session to learn about the grant opportunity, eligibility requirements, and application process. All potential applicants are encouraged to attend, and you will have the opportunity to ask general questions about the process. Specific proposals will not be discussed.

Link to join the information session on Zoom on November 5, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.: Join the Virtual Information Session on Zoom

To request language assistance or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please complete this form: https://forms.office.com/g/QHkBWPtBW9 at least 5 days before the event. If you have any questions, contact the Office of Planning at [email protected] or 202-442-7600.

Who is Eligible to Apply

Eligible organizations must have relevant experience with public space installations or community events in public space and demonstrate capacity to track project impacts and manage grant funds. Applicants must also be licensed and in good standing with the District, have a location in the District through which they provide services, provide a Certificate of Clean Hands, and be able to meet applicable insurance requirements. 

How to Apply

Please note that the online application form does not currently support saving your progress. We recommend reviewing the RFA for eligibility requirements, application instructions, required documents, and evaluation criteria; and gathering all required attachments before beginning the online application. To assist you in preparing your responses ahead of time, you can download a copy of the Application Worksheet, which contains the questions that you need to answer in the application form and space for you to draft answers.

Once ready, complete and submit the online application in one session.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are partnerships with neighborhood organizations required?

No. Applicants may apply independently or as a partnership. If applying as a partnership, one eligible organization must serve as the lead applicant and assume responsibility for financial management, performance, reporting, and compliance. 

How much funding is available, and what is the maximum request per applicant?

Up to $200,000 is available for this grant, and OP anticipates making no more than two awards. The RFA does not establish a separate maximum request amount per applicant. Applicants proposing multiple project components should provide component-specific budgets because OP may fund all or a portion of a proposal.

What expenses are eligible for grant funding?

Eligible expenses may include design, procurement, purchase or rental, fabrication, delivery and installation of eligible public realm improvements; permit and rental fees; staff or consultant support; artist commissions; maintenance and storage; event equipment; performers; security; and other programming costs associated with eligible public space activations and community events. 

What types of projects are eligible?

Applicants may propose public space furnishings and community-use amenities; shade, planting, and small-scale greening; public art and cultural-identity installations; temporary public space activations; and implementation and stewardship activities supporting the proposed improvements. Applicants may combine complementary eligible activities into a coordinated project. 

Are temporary arts activations, performances, and community programming eligible without permanent physical improvements?

Temporary installations, pop-up placemaking, community events, cultural programming, and temporary street closures are eligible activities. Temporary public-space activations must directly support the proposed physical improvements. The physical improvements do not have to be permanent and may include movable or reusable elements. 

Where can projects be located?

Projects must be located within the Columbia Heights and Mount Pleasant grant project area shown in the RFA. Applicants may propose specific sites within that area, subject to applicable site permissions, permits and approvals, and coordination with the agency responsible, property owner, or site manager. 

Do applicants need to have permits or site approvals before applying?

No, but applicants must identify anticipated permits, approvals, licenses, property-owner permissions, and the agencies, property owners, or site managers responsible for them. Applicants must also provide a realistic schedule for obtaining necessary approvals and completing the project. OP’s selection or funding of a proposal does not constitute approval by another agency, property owner, or site manager. 

What is the grant period?

Grant awards are for the period January 2027 through September 30, 2027. All grant-funded work must be completed and grant funds spent by September 30, 2027, unless otherwise provided in the grant agreement.

Can I save my application and return to complete it later?

No. The online application form does not currently support saving your progress and returning later. We recommend reviewing the RFA for eligibility requirements, application instructions, required documents, and evaluation criteria; and gathering all required attachments before beginning the online application. To assist you in preparing your responses ahead of time, you can download a copy of the Application Worksheet, which contains the questions that you need to answer in the application form and space for you to draft answers.

Once ready, complete and submit the online application in one session.