Are you thinking about planning a block party in your neighborhood or apartment complex? A block party is a great way to celebrate and encourage stronger communities. North Kansas City residents can apply for a neighborhood block party grant to receive up to $400 for reimbursement of eligible expenses. Applicants requesting a party for combined adjacent blocks or entire apartment complexes may request to receive up to $800 for reimbursement.

Steps to hosting a block party

1. Determine the day you and your neighbors want to have the party. The permit approval process can take up to 3 weeks, so be sure to factor that into your block party date. 

2. Fill out and submit the Neighborhood Block Party Application, along with a detailed site plan/map of the party area including the proposed location of road closures, tents, tables, and entertainment. 

3. City staff will review the application and site plan, request any additional required information, and approve for their respective department.

4. The application will be presented for final approval by either the City Administrator or City Council (dependent on location). 

5. City staff will contact you regarding the outcome of the approval, provide the reimbursement form, and answer any questions you may have.

Apply for a Special Event Permit

Block parties must be approved by the City by means of a Neighborhood Block Party Application. Please fill out the permit and submit it to the Community Development Department (by email permits@nkc.org) or in person at City Hall. For questions, call the Community Development Department at 816-274-6006 or send an email to permits@nkc.org.

Block Party Grants

All approved block parties qualify to receive a Block Party Grant. Each grant will reimburse eligible expenses up to $400 or $800 per event, based on the size of the event. The following rules guide the block party grant program:

• Block parties must be approved by the City through a Neighborhood Block Party Application.
• The City will reimburse eligible expenses up to the identified reimbursement level.
• Neighborhood block and apartment complexes may receive the block party grant once per year.
• Eligible expenses for reimbursement may include, but are not limited to:
  • Food
  • Paper goods
  • Entertainment/performers
• Ineligible expenses for reimbursement include:
  • Alcohol
  • Tent rental
  • Stages and/or risers
• To receive reimbursement, the block party host listed on the approved Neighborhood Block Party Application submits a reimbursement form and itemized receipts to the Community Development Department. The receipts are reviewed by staff and the City will authorize reimbursement for qualifying expenses up to $400.
• Entry to block parties that receive City grant funds shall be free of charge.
• Everyone who lives in the block or apartment complex that receives City grant funds for a block party must be invited to the party. No one who lives on the block may be excluded.

For more information, contact the Community Development Department at 816-274-6006 or via email.