Civic experiments are locally led projects that bring neighbors together for civic dialogue, shared learning, and collaborative problem-solving. These projects do not have to be large or complex, and, ideally, they strengthen belonging by making connections to the nature treasures, built environment, and culture of a community.

Civic Experiments bring residents together for civic dialogue, shared learning, and collaborative problem-solving, offering many benefits along the way.

• Increased civic opportunities. Residents gain new ways to connect in ways that are relevant, meaningful, and enjoyable, such as downtown events, festivals, or community gardens.
• Increased civic participation. More people get involved, including residents who are not always invited into community life. Participation becomes more consistent and more representative. Examples include volunteer trail associations, community centers providing programs, and civic leadership training.
• Solving problems together. Neighbors unite around a shared challenge and make measurable progress within a year, even when viewpoints or backgrounds differ.

Applicants must be located in or work within the tri-state, 16-county region served by Thrive Regional Partnership. Eligible applicants include organizations with a valid IRS determination letter confirming their 501(c)(3) status, Native American tribal agencies, public institutions, religious organizations, and projects with an approved fiscal sponsor. Individuals with project ideas may also be eligible by partnering with one of these entities to carry out a project under the organization’s umbrella.

It depends. When preparing your application, consider the question: "does this cost directly enable people to gather, participate, and collaborate in our community?" If yes, then it aligns with the purpose of the Civic Experiment grant.

Note that the grant timeline is efficient. Funds will deploy in the summer, and must be spent down by the end of 2026. Projects that require heavy capital such as infrastructure improvements or land acquisition do not align with the timeline of this grant program. A series of community engagement sessions associated with a larger scale project, however, may qualify.