Neighborhood Mow & Maintenance | Calhoun County Land Bank Authority

Background

The Neighborhood Mow & Maintenance Program supports innovative community groups and
organizations in fundraising efforts through mowing and maintaining vacant properties owned by
the Calhoun County Land Bank Authority (CCLBA). This program provides opportunities for groups
to earn funds for things such as neighborhood organizations, youth group activities, field trips,
mission trips, outreach programs, and other events or community efforts. The program provides
excellent exposure for the purpose of publicizing your group and its partnership with the
community.

Earning Potential

The Neighborhood Mow & Maintenance Program pays a seasonal stipend for one mowing season.
An assignment of 20 vacant properties is required, and properties should be mowed at least every
three weeks. In exchange, your group will receive a stipend of $3,600.00. This program kicks off in
mid-April and ends in October.

20 properties for one season = $3,600.00!!!

Process

The 2026 deadline to apply is Friday, March 27, 2026!

An eligible group is deﬁned as an established entity based in Calhoun County with a Federal Identification Number (IRS form W-9) and a bank account, or exists under an organization that meets that criteria. Proof of liability insurance is required; details are provided further in the application. Additionally, a signed liability release form will be required of all group participants, or by their parents/guardians, if under age 18. A group leader and co-leader (must be 18 or over) will need to submit an application.

Groups are required to provide their own equipment, tools, fuel, and supplies. For most properties, lawn mowers and weed trimmers will be sufficient, although rakes, yard waste bags, and shovels would be handy. Gloves, goggles, appropriate footwear, and other safety measures are recommended and are the responsibility of the group. In the event that severe weather impacts the program for a sustained period, the CCLBA reserves the right to adjust the spend amount

Applications and required documents must be submitted by March 27th, 2026.
Questions? Call 269-781-0777

Neighborhood Mow & Maintenance Application

Date(Required)

This agreement is made and entered into on

Name of Group(Required)

Address of Group(Required)

Parent Organization

If applicable

Estimated Number of Adult Participants(Required)

Estimated Number of Youth Participants(Required)

Name of Leader(Required)

First Last

Name of Co-Leader

First Last

Phone(Required)

Phone

Email(Required)

Organization Type(Required)

Scouting Groups

Church or Faith Based Group

Sporting Team

Neighborhood Planning Council/Group

Nonprofit (501c3)

Other

Area of Desired Assignment(Required)

Albion

Battle Creek

Upload W9(Required)

Max. file size: 256 MB.

About Your Group

What is the mission of your group and its history?(Required)

What is the group hoping to fund with the earnings from this program?(Required)

What equipment does your group have to utilize for this program?(Required)

Share your plan for completing the work in your assigned area, including: how your group will work together; how the work will be coordinated among your crew; and if applicable, how youth participants would be engaged in the efforts.(Required)

Does your group have a Facebook Page or Website?(Required)

(If so, please list it below)

Consent(Required)

MOW & MAINTENANCE
Often, vacant lots and other unoccupied properties become a magnet for trash and other debris. In partnering with the
CCLBA, your group will make a positive contribution to your community by caring for properties in your neighborhood
and surrounding area. The investment of your group in cleaning these properties encourages good stewardship of other properties. For most properties, lawn mowers and weed trimmers will be your primary tools, however, rakes,
yard waste bags, and shovels may come in handy. Gloves, goggles, appropriate footwear, and other safety measures are suggested and are the responsibility of the group. The group is required to provide their own equipment, fuel, and supplies. If you encounter a potentially hazardous item during clean-up, please work around the item and notify the CCLBA immediately.

Properties must be maintained regularly and regular check-ins with the CCLBA will be required. CCLBA staff will also conduct random site inspections throughout the season to evaluate the program. Additionally, local code
compliance regularly monitors and reports to the CCLBA any problem properties. Any fraudulent submissions will result in immediate dismissal from the program. A minimum of 10 mows per lot (every 1 to 3 weeks) is required and must be documented for payment; these MUST be documented on a spreadsheet provided by CCLBA staff.

GETTING PAID
The CCLBA pays at the end of the season, which works for most participants. However, for those who need monetary support with fuel and supplies, an early payment out of the stipend can be requested after two full mows. This option can be discussed in full at the start of the program. In the event that severe weather impacts the program for a sustained period of time, the CCLBA reserves the right to adjust the stipend amount.

INSURANCE INFORMATION
Upon assignment of properties, the CCLBA will need to be added as an additional insured on the policy for the duration of the program and a certificate of insurance will need to be provided to the CCLBA before work can begin. Your
insurance carrier can assist you with this routine requirement. Likewise, a waiver of liability form will be required of all participants before work begins. A parent or guardian will need to sign for participants under 18. Forms will be provided to the group leaders after property assignments have been determined.

I hereby affirm by my name affixed hereto that I understand the Neighborhood Mow & Maintenance Program as detailed herein, that I have the authority to sign on behalf of the organization applying, and that all the materials which I have submitted and answers I have provided are true to the best of my knowledge, information and belief.