San Francisco seeks proposals for community-led neighborhood improvement projects through the Community Challenge Grants Program

SAN FRANCISCO, CA---Today, the Office of the City Administrator launched the Fiscal Year 2026 Community Challenge Grants (CCG) Program Request for Proposals. The CCG Program provides City funding for community-led neighborhood improvement projects that foster resilience, safety, and belonging in San Francisco.

This year, the CCG Program will provide grants of up to $150,000 for community-led, neighborhood improvements in two program areas: 

• Infrastructure: Projects that make physical improvements to public spaces--for example establishing sidewalk gardens; participating in the Shared Spaces program; adding programmable outdoor space on private property; and creating public art like murals or tiled stairways;
• Activation: Projects that support activities that bring people together and foster community use--for example street clean-up and graffiti abatement; ongoing gardening, and maintenance; youth training or apprenticeships; and night markets or block parties.

Community organizations, including nonprofits, community benefit districts, schools, neighborhood groups, and businesses, are encouraged to apply by visiting sf.gov/ccg. Proposals are due on October 9, 2025.

"Our neighborhoods are what make our city unique, and these Community Challenge Grants encourage San Franciscans to come up with creative ideas to make a difference in their communities," said Mayor Daniel Lurie. "This program is making it easier for residents to take on neighborhood projects, because if someone wants to help their community look better and feel more alive, the city should help them do it.”

“If you have a creative idea and are willing to put in the elbow grease needed to beautify our communities, we want to hear from you,” said City Administrator Carmen Chu. “From tiled staircases that inspire us to climb, to transforming dumping grounds into lively community gardens, to murals that tell our unique stories, these projects showcase the best of San Francisco - it is what happens when neighbors from across the City step up to dream and we say yes to partnership.”

Earlier this week, Mayor Lurie and the Department of Public Works launched the Love Our Neighborhoods Permit Program to make it easier and less expensive for San Franciscans to seek permits for neighborhood improvement projects on the public right of way. CCG provides important funding for projects, such as installing lighting, adding murals, and landscape improvements, that will utilize the new permit program.

CCG, formerly known as the Neighborhood Beautification and Graffiti Clean-Up Fund, was founded in 1990 by a voter initiative. Since 2023, the Community Challenge Grants Program has undergone robust improvements under the leadership of City Administrator Carmen Chu and CCG Grants Manager Robynn Takayama, who joined the program in October 2023. The refreshed program, including updated rules and regulations recently approved by the Board of Supervisors, incorporate best practices regarding ethics and oversight and make it easier for community groups to apply.

“When neighbors have a vision for their block, the City should help bring it to life. The Community Challenge Grants program does exactly that,” said District 2 Supervisor Stephen Sherrill. “It supports the kinds of grassroots projects that make San Francisco feel alive and connected. Whether it’s murals, sidewalk gardens, or neighborhood events, these efforts make a real difference in how our streets look and feel. I’m proud to support a program that puts resources directly into the hands of community leaders who are ready to roll up their sleeves and make something happen.”

"The Community Challenge Grants program represents the best of our city and citizens coming together to transform public spaces,” said District 3 Supervisor Danny Sauter. “Through this creative approach, we provide a way for community members to turn their ideas into reality. The next time you see a mural, a sidewalk garden, or beautiful tiled stairs, remember that there's a good chance it was made possible thanks to the Community Challenge Grants program. I'm thrilled that our City Administrator is showing the leadership to continue to champion this program that improves our neighborhoods and helps our city shine."

“When we walk San Francisco’s world-renown tiled stairways, stand before our magnificent murals, or discover local mini parks and verdant community gardens, we benefit from the millions of dollars invested over decades by the Community Challenge Grants Program,” said District 4 Supervisor Joel Engardio. “Each improvement project represents countless hours of community service, volunteer time, and fundraising. But most importantly, the program showcases the true grit, grassroots organizing, determination, and creativity we celebrate as San Franciscans. Thanks to our City Administrator Carmen Chu, I am thrilled that this incredible resource is coming back to our communities.”

“In District 10, we have seen how community-led projects can transform entire blocks,” said Supervisor Shamann Walton. “Whether it’s turning a vacant lot into a garden, beautifying the Visitacion Valley Greenway to connect our Crosstown Trail, or creating a neighborhood entry sign off the freeway exit, these grants are about more than just beautification. They are about investing in the people who are already out there doing the work to care for their neighborhoods. I encourage everyone with a vision for their community to apply.”

“As we continue to recover from a global pandemic, face the impacts of climate change, and navigate deepening social divides, it’s more important than ever to invest in social infrastructure that strengthens our neighborhoods,” said Robynn Takayama, CCG Grants Manager. “This program uplifts community-led solutions that build connection, resilience, and pride—especially in neighborhoods that have been historically overlooked.”

Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to start their applications early. To apply:

• Visit sf.gov/ccg to download the application and learn more about the program, including optional information sessions and application workshops hosted by CCG.
• Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or apply with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit fiscal sponsor.
• Projects must be located in San Francisco and have approval from the location’s property owner.