Invest in Neighborhoods Inc. Invest in Neighborhoods Inc. In 1982, a coalition of 45 Cincinnati neighborhoods came together to build a permanent Neighborhood Fund to support their continued growth and development. This Neighborhood Fund concept was developed under Project SNAP (Stimulating the Neighborhood Action Process), a five-year Mott Foundation grant awarded to Cincinnati in 1978 to support planning and related activities that would strengthen community-based leadership and encourage the organization of active neighborhood councils.
Invest In Neighborhoods was incorporated as a non-profit, tax-exempt organization to raise funds for and to administer the income generated by the 
Neighborhood Fund. The long-range fundraising goal set in 1982 was $1,000,000 of which $250,000 would come from participating neighborhoods and the remaining $750,000 from local individuals, corporations, and foundations. As of early 2004, the fund stands at approximately $1,000,000.
In addition to the Neighborhood Fund, Invest In Neighborhoods raises funds for an annual merit grant program created to fund special projects reflecting creativity and ingenuity while enhancing neighborhoods. The Neighbor Network Merit Grant Program is a competitive grant program which provides grants to several selected projects each year. Sponsors have included Bank One, Cinco, Kroger's, Fifth Third Bank, Warner Communications, Cincinnati Bell Telephone, Procter & Gamble, LaRosa's, the Cinergy Foundation of the Cincinnati Gas & Electric Company, Benchmark Federal Bank and others.
In 1984, Invest In Neighborhoods initiated A Day In Eden to allow neighborhoods an opportunity to raise funds and generate volunteer hours needed to meet their membership obligation to the Neighborhood Fund. A Day In Eden was designed as 
an opportunity for Cincinnati's diverse neighborhoods to showcase the qualities and characteristics that make each neighborhood unique. The event became so large that a separate non-profit was formed in 1987 for the sole purpose of organizing A Day In Eden.
Since its inception, Invest's primary purpose has been to support the growth and development of healthy, active neighborhoods within our city. In 1990, Invest In Neighborhoods entered into a contract with the city to administer its Neighborhood Support Program (NSP). Through this program, grants of up to $7,000 can be awarded to neighborhood councils for projects such as: membership campaigns, community newsletters, beautification, youth leadership, summer employment and others. Administration of the Neighborhood Support Program, in conjunction with the Neighborhood Fund and Neighbor Network Merit Grants, enhances Invest's ability to support neighborhoods in their efforts to improve the quality of life while retaining the diverse character that makes Cincinnati's neighborhoods so unique.
