RHA Community Catalyst Program

Empowering Local Projects Through Microgrants

The Redwood Heights Association Community Catalyst Program is an Oakland community microgrants program that provides $250 to $1,500 to support resident-led grassroots projects that help build a stronger and more vibrant community. We believe everyone can play a role in improving our neighborhood.

You Might Be A Community Catalyst!

Do you have an idea for a project that can help our community? Maybe it’s an innovative way to beautify a shared space. Or a community-building tool, such as a talent directory. Or perhaps you have an idea for a special event to welcome newcomers. Or an innovative way that neighbors can collectively share resources. Maybe it’s a project that makes the neighborhood cleaner or safer. This is your opportunity to turn your creative ideas into reality with financial support from the RHA!

Who Can Apply?

Any individual can apply for a Community Catalyst Grant.

Please note that we are not providing grants to organizations or groups at this time.

What Are the Requirements?

Your project must meet the following guidelines: 

1. Benefit the community at large, improving the experience of living and sense of belonging in Oakland.
2. Be able to be carried out and sustained by volunteers, without ongoing financial or organizational support from the RHA. 
3. Must fall under one of four categories:
   1. Beautification
   2. Community Engagement 
   3. Comfort and Safety
   4. Communication 
4. Any physical project (landscaping beautification, signage, etc.) on private property must visibly benefit the general public.
5. Projects cannot require City of Oakland permitting or approval. Example: A grant project cannot be for the repair of potholes or city-owned sidewalks.
6. Projects need to be well-conceived, practical, and achievable within one year.

How Do I Apply?

You can fill out the form below.

If you prefer, you can download a PDF of the application, complete it, and email it to grants@rhaoakland.org.

You may also print the form and mail it to: Redwood Heights Association, Attn: Grants, PO Box 19162, Oakland, CA 94619.

RHA Community Catalyst Grant Application

Application Deadline: July 31, 2026

The Goal: To empower community members to turn creative, grassroots ideas into reality. We fund projects that build a stronger, more vibrant community through volunteer-led action.

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Name *

First

Last

Individual applicants only; grants are not currently awarded to organizations or groups.

Email *

Address *

Phone *

Project Name *

Project Category *

• Beautification (e.g., shared space aesthetics)
• Community Engagement (e.g., events, talent directories)
• Comfort & Safety (e.g., lighting, cleanliness)
• Communication (e.g., resource sharing, signage)

Describe Your Project *

What do you plan to do, and how will it improve the experience of living or the sense of belonging in our community? (Note: If the project is on private property, please describe how it visibly benefits the general public.)

Volunteers *

How many people are required to complete this?

Total Estimated Person-Hours *

Maintenance *

How will this project be sustained by volunteers without ongoing RHA support?

Amount Requested *

Grants available from $250 – $1,500

Itemized Expenses *

Please provide a detailed cost estimate of materials, supplies, or services.

Proposed Start Date *

Proposed Completion Date

Projects must be achievable within 1 year.

Address Amount Check

Compliance Check

• I confirm this project does not require City of Oakland permitting or approval (e.g., no pothole or City sidewalk repair).
• I understand that I am responsible for the management of funds and must provide documentation of expenses per RHA guidelines.

Submit