‘Love Your Block’ Program In Newark Is Launching On Valentine’s Day 2026

NEWARK, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the City of Newark. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

Mayor Ras Baraka and Chief Sustainability Officer Nicole Hewitt-Cabral recently announced that Love Your Block, Newark! 2026 will launch on Valentine’s Day, Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. Love Your Block, Newark! is a resident-driven initiative that partners community groups with City departments to support neighborhood beautification projects that strengthen environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and community pride.

Through the program, Newark community groups may apply for up to $5,000 in reimbursement-based grant funding, along with targeted technical assistance and capacity-building support from City agencies. Once open, the application will remain available through Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

“The Love Your Block, Newark! program reflects what makes this city strong—residents who care deeply about their neighborhoods and are ready to lead,” said Mayor Baraka. “By investing directly in community-driven projects, we are empowering Newarkers to build cleaner, greener, and more resilient neighborhoods while strengthening the bonds that hold our city together.”

The Love Your Block, Newark! team is seeking innovative, community-led projects that address local challenges through creative, volunteer-powered solutions rooted in sustainability and resilience.

“Love Your Block, Newark! is about turning local ideas into real, visible change,” said Ms. Hewitt-Cabral. “From climate resilience to neighborhood revitalization, this program helps residents take action on the issues that matter most to them while advancing our citywide sustainability and resilience goals.”

New and Expanded Program Enhancements for 2026

This year’s program includes several enhanced opportunities designed to further empower residents and community organizations:

• All funded projects must focus on sustainability and climate resilience
• Rolling grant decisions will be made as applications are received until available funding is fully allocated
• The project implementation period has been extended, running from May 6 through September 2, 2026
• New grantees will have access to a mentorship program, connecting them with experienced Love Your Block, Newark! grantees for guidance and peer support
• Past and new grantees will be integrated into the Office of Sustainability, Resilience and Community Transformation’s broader initiatives, strengthening long-term community engagement and impact citywide

Program Qualifications

To be eligible, projects must meet the following criteria:

• Led by Newark residents
• Located within the City of Newark
• Volunteer-driven
• Demonstrate a creative solution to a neighborhood issue
• Show clear community support and address a shared neighborhood goal

Priority Consideration

Priority will be given to applications from:

• First-time applicants
• Youth-led initiatives
• Initiatives led by Newark Housing Authority (NHA) residents
• Projects led by block, neighborhood, and tenant association members

Community Brainstorming Sessions

Residents interested in applying are encouraged to attend an in-person brainstorming session to share ideas and learn more about the program:

• Thursday, February 19 | 6:00- 7:30 PM —Unified Vailsburg Services Organization (UVSO) Teen Center, 40 Richelieu Terrace
• Saturday, February 21 | 10:00- 11:30 AM —St. Stephens Church, 7 Wilson Ave
• Thursday, February 26 | 6:00- 7:30 PM —William Mobile Ashby Community Care and Training Center, 695 Bergen St
• Wednesday, March 4 | 6:00- 7:30 PM — Branch Brook Library, 235 Clifton Ave
• Thursday, March 5 | 6:00-7:30 PM — City Hall Press Briefing Room, 920 Mayor Kenneth A. Gibson Blvd

Important Dates

• Application Portal Open: February 14 – March 31, 2026
• Orientation & Brainstorming Sessions: February – March 2026
• Public Announcement of Grantees: May 1, 2026
• Grantee Orientation Workshop: May 6, 2026
• Project Implementation Period: May 6 – September 2, 2026
• Love Your Block, Newark! Celebration Event: February 11, 2027

For questions or assistance with the application process, residents may contact Valeria Angel, Love Your Block, Newark! Program Manager, at angelv@ci.newark.nj.us or (973) 877-9587. Additional information is available on the Love Your Block, Newark! website or by emailing loveyourblock@ci.newark.nj.us

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