Light up your block!
We're excited to announce our new string lighting program. Thanks to support from the State of Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development's Community Safety Work's grant program we are excited to be able to provide funding to community members who want to install string lighting along their blocks.
Solar and LED string lights are a low cost, impactful way to improve the safety of our community and bring neighbors together. And they look great too!
The SWP is able to fund the materials and installation costs needed to install the lights, and will be accepting applications from community members until all available funding is spent.
For more information please read the full program guidelines below and contact Elizabeth at elizabeth@swpbal.org for more information.
Program Overview
- The Southwest Partnership has $50,000 to provide to community members interested in installing string lighting along their blocks
- We can provide funding for the lights and the installation, but can not provide funding for ongoing electrical costs
- Funding will be provided through a non-competitive grant process--community members will submit applications, and applications that meet the requirements will be funded on a first come, first serve basis
- The SWP cannot provide technical assistance on installation. We are happy to work with blocks who need support on connecting with folks in the City who have done similar work, or with folks working in the area who can provide technical support, but blocks are responsible for their own installation and figuring out a plan.
- All installations must be complete by 12/31/2023
Requirements for String Lighting
- Neighbor Support
- Block applicants must get the support of the neighbors on the block who will be immediately impacted by the installation of the lights
- Required: written support from the owner of each property that will have string lighting attached to it
- Strongly recommended: a petition with support from as many residents of the block as possible expressing their support for the installation
- Block applicants must get the support of the neighbors on the block who will be immediately impacted by the installation of the lights
- Plan for Installation
- Applicants should include a plan for installing the lights on the block, indicating how many lights are needed and where and how they will be installed
- Installation plan should include a sketch of the installation, any anticipated issues, and the contact information of who is doing the installation
- Ongoing Electricity and Maintenance
- The block resident(s) who will be responsible for the ongoing electrical costs (who will have the lights plugged into their property) need to be identified and need to provide a written commitment to the project
- The SWP cannot provide electrical advice on recommendations on the lights
- Budget--the budget should include:
- Materials: both lights and materials needed for installation
- Installation costs: labor and equipment needed for installation
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of lights are we talking about here?
Solar or LED cafe/string lights. Solar lights will only be feasible on blocks that get good light (south and east facing blocks generally). The electrical costs of LED lights are pretty low (folks report a difference of at most $5 a month to power a whole block) that they can be a good option when solar won’t work.
Aren’t these going to increase my electrical bill? Why can’t the SWP pay for the electricity?
It will increase the electrical bill of whoever has the lights plugged into their house, but the electrical costs of LED lights are very low. Options for paying for electricity include block residents contributing towards increased costs, or the lights being plugged into many houses, or one neighbor covering the costs. Unfortunately the funding that we have available can’t be used for ongoing utility costs.
What’s the benefit of installing lights?
Improved lighting makes blocks safer--research has shown that increased lighting reduces crime and makes folks feel safer. They help to facilitate activities like block parties and socializing on the block, and the process of planning out the project increases connections to your neighbors.
How can I determine how many lights I need and how they need to be installed?
Depends on the size of the block! Estimates are generally a 96’ strand will cover 3-4 houses.
How can I figure out how much it will cost?
- Figure out how many lights you will need--make a plan and measure it out.
- Price out the lights--lights can be found at the following stores
- Figure out the installation costs--who will install the lights? Will you pay someone to do it? Will they need special materials or equipment that they need to rent?
- Estimates range from $85-$100/house.
Why do lights have to be installed by 12/31/2023?
That’s when our funding needs to be spent by :)
What if I want to improve the lighting on my block but string lighting won’t work/I have another idea?
Talk to us! Send Elizabeth an email at elizabeth@swpbal.org. We may not be able to support another type of lighting with the grant funding we have available, but we’re happy to talk about ideas.
What if I’m a renter?
You’ll need the permission of the property owner or their representative if you’re going to attach something (string lights) to a home, but renters are definitely eligible to apply for the program. Please contact us if you have any questions!
What if I need to attach to a vacant house?
Contact us at elizabeth@swpbal.org and we’ll figure out a plan.
Where can I learn more?
Information on installing solar lights from
Please make sure your application is complete before submitting it. We will return applications that are incomplete and they will need to be resubmitted to be considered for funding.
Required Materials
- Written permission from each property owner of a property that will have string lighting installed on the property
- If a property has a vacant building notice on it, or if the owner is not contactable please contact the SWP (elizabeth@swpbal.org) as soon as possible so we can figure out a plan
- A commitment to paying for the electricity costs from the resident(s) of the block who will be responsible for paying
- A petition expressing support for the installation from residents (doesn’t have to include folks who have already given their permission for the lighting to be installed on their property)
- Installation plan, including sketch of installation and contact information of the person who will be doing the installation
- Budget including material and installation costs
- Any materials (quotes for installation, pricing for materials) to support the budget
To apply, download the application HERE and submit via email to elizabeth@swpbal.org or mail to or drop off at 1317 W Baltimore St Baltimore MD 21223
OR apply here
