Frequently Asked Questions

Morgantown Mosaic supports small neighborhood-led projects that strengthen identity, pride, engagement, and public spaces. 

Examples include:

• Neighborhood beautification (plantings, landscaping, cleanup efforts)

• Public art or installations (murals, signage, community-created pieces)

• Small improvements to public spaces (benches, planters, trail markers, wayfinding)

• Community-building events (block gatherings, celebrations, cultural activities)

• Projects supporting accessibility or inclusion

• Initiatives that increase connection, visibility, or use of neighborhood assets

Projects must take place within the City of Morgantown limits and benefit the public.

You may apply if you are:

• A resident of a recognized Neighborhood Association, or

• A resident of a Morgantown neighborhood with a letter of support from the appropriate Neighborhood Association

Recognized Neighborhood Associations include (list shortened for web):
Evansdale, First Ward, Greenmont, Jerome Park, Norwood, South Hills, Suncrest, Wiles Hill/Highland Park, Woodburn, and others designated by the City.

Applicants must:

• Be located within Morgantown city limits

• Propose a project with clear public benefit

• Demonstrate a plan for maintenance/sustainability

• Submit a budget and any required documentation

• Applicants may request up to $500 per project for materials, supplies, small physical improvements, or neighborhood event needs.
• Large-scale projects may request up to $2,000, subject to additional review and reporting requirements.

• In-kind contributions (volunteer hours, donated materials) are encouraged

• Funding is limited and depends on annual budget availability

• City Manager makes final awards based on ranked recommendations and available funds

Applications are evaluated using five criteria:

• Project Proposal – clarity, goals, feasibility, and timeline

• Community Engagement – resident participation, partnerships, volunteer involvement

• Budget Readiness – reasonable, complete budget; matching resources identified

• Impact – expected outcomes and how success will be measured

• Sustainability – maintenance plan and long-term stewardship

Funding decisions are based on:

• Application score

• Neighborhood representation and equity

• Total requests compared to available funding

To be eligible for a Morgantown Mosaic grant, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Project Location: The proposed project must be located within the City of Morgantown limits.

• Neighborhood Connection: Applicants must reside in or partner with a recognized Neighborhood Association, or provide a letter of support from the association representing the project area.

• Public Benefit: The project must deliver a clear public benefit, be open or accessible to neighborhood residents, and support community engagement or improvement.

• Project Scope: Proposals must fit within the small-project funding model (up to $500) and be feasible within the six-month project period.

• Budget & Documentation: Applicants must submit a complete application, including a project description, timeline, and budget outlining all expenses and in-kind contributions.

• Maintenance Commitment: Applicants must identify who will maintain or steward the project after completion.

• Compliance: Projects must comply with all City policies, guidelines, and public space requirements, including permissions for installations or use of public property.

The program does not fund:

• Projects primarily on private property without demonstrated public benefit

• Faith-based or political events that are not open to all residents

• Operational or recurring expenses (utilities, ongoing staffing, subscription costs)

• Large-scale construction, capital improvements, or infrastructure beyond the project scope

• Food, entertainment, or giveaways unless essential to the project’s goals

• Projects that are already fully completed

• Items or expenses unrelated to community engagement or neighborhood improvement