Neighborhood Improvement Grant applicants talk impact they hope to make

JACKSON, Tenn. — Community groups are bringing their ideas to life through the 2025 Neighborhood Improvement Project Grant here in the Hub City.

Friday at Jackson City Hall, applicants shared their projects and inspired the community to vote on opportunities that improve the city’s quality of life through their vision, and the impact they hope to make.

The city is committed to supporting grantees throughout their projects to ensure a meaningful and lasting impression.

“We have three tiers. The first tier is up to a $1,000, the second tier is up to $2,500, and the third tier is up to $5,000. These are for community events, murals, public art–anything that would better our community. It is free to our residents,” said Elvia Trejo, neighborhood specialist with the City of Jackson.

Program Director Lizzie Emmons with Our Jackson Home, tells us receiving this grant would benefit their partnership with the reel collective on an upcoming film project called “Hidden Leaders” depicting the stories of Hub City residents who are working hard behind the scenes.

“We’re doing a documentary here in Jackson and we’re going to do a public screening of it for the community to enjoy here at Turntable and this project is up for a Love Your Block vote,” said Emmons.

One applicant tells us the impact this initiative has and why it’s making a difference.

“Community support is what’s gotten us this far and we’re just excited for all the progress that is to come. Our students have been really I think in their own way feel overwhelmed even though they’re middle school students. All the communities coming in volunteering, donating and knowing that people care about what they’re doing and what they’re passionate about,” said Ashley Akerson, founders of Dreamers of Makers Art Club.

Right in the heart of downtown Jackson, Director of Family Ministries at First United Methodist Church Jessica Platt shares plans going forward to give youth an outlet downtown with a new park that will be accessible to everyone with a play structure for ages 5 to 12 to add a safe play space for the area.

All Jackson residents are encouraged to participate in voting for this project and many others for the 2025 Neighborhood Improvement Grant.

“There’s so much great stuff happening downtown but there’s not a ton for the kids. This will be safe space where kids can come together, connect and our community can grow closer because of it,” said Platt.

You can vote once per day in each tier, giving you the chance to support multiple projects throughout the voting period. The last day to vote is Monday, October 6 at 12 pm Central Standard time.

To learn more on how you can get involved, click here.

For more news in the Jackson area, click here.