Builds connection
Hosts welcoming neighborhood meet and greets where people can learn one another’s names, strengths and needs.
NEIGHBORHOOD CAPTAIN PROGRAM
Help neighbors become neighbors.
Neighborhood Captains are caring local volunteers who build connection, share trusted resources and create a direct bridge between their neighborhood and Neighborly Giving Foundation.
START WITH A SMALL CIRCLE
You do not need to know everyone or have all the answers.
Starting with a small, consistent circle of neighbors is often the strongest beginning.
If you care about the people where you live and are willing to listen, learn and bring neighbors together, we invite you to apply.
WHAT A CAPTAIN DOES
Connection becomes practical care.
Shares helpful information
Points neighbors toward services, local resources, community rules, public programs, food banks and other sources of support.
Listens and communicates
Brings requests, recommendations and emerging needs to Neighborly Giving Foundation and shares useful updates back with neighbors.
Encourages opportunity
Refers individuals and families who may qualify for bill assistance scholarships or youth educational scholarships. Captains do not decide eligibility or promise funding.
Supports local participation
Helps neighbors understand ways to engage constructively with local government and community organizations.
TRUST BEGINS PERSONALLY
One welcome can change how a neighborhood feels.
Captains make room for people to be seen, heard and connected. The work begins with simple introductions and grows through consistent, respectful relationships.
THE ONE YEAR COMMITMENT
Meaningful and manageable.
Captains make a practical, one year commitment designed to build trust through steady presence.
- Host at least one neighborhood meet and greet every four months for one year, for three gatherings total.
- Submit a brief report after each gathering so our team can understand what is working, what is difficult and what support may help.
- Provide at least one gathering photo during the year, with appropriate permission from every identifiable person pictured. A photo is never required from someone who does not want to appear.
- Join a monthly online Captain call when possible to ask questions, exchange ideas and learn about local resources and community engagement.
- Maintain respectful, reliable communication with Neighborly Giving Foundation.
WHAT NEIGHBORLY GIVING PROVIDES
You lead locally. We support the work.
- Practical education, guides, conversation starters and resources for bringing neighbors together.
- The Home Safety Check and Connect Kit for gathering based education, plus Community Safety team support for general questions and professional referrals. Captains share the resource but do not enter or inspect neighbors’ homes.
- A calendar of optional events and activities to share with your neighborhood.
- Monthly online Captain calls covering service recommendations, community engagement, local government, food banks and other neighborhood resources.
- A team member or Captain mentor at the first meet and greet when available. This support is optional and cannot be guaranteed for every location.
- A direct channel for requests, recommendations, referrals and feedback.
WHO SHOULD APPLY
Care and reliability matter more than a perfect résumé.
You may be a good fit if you are an adult who:
- Lives in or has a meaningful, ongoing connection to the community they want to serve.
- Can welcome people with different backgrounds and viewpoints.
- Is dependable, communicates clearly, respects privacy and follows program safety guidelines.
- Is willing to complete references, an interview and a background screening before appointment.
- Can commit to three gatherings and three short reports over one year.
We value lived experience and growth. A prior record will not automatically disqualify an applicant. Any screening information will be considered fairly, individually and in relation to the responsibilities of the role and applicable law.
A REACH THAT FEELS REALISTIC
Begin with the people you can serve consistently.
Your neighborhood effort does not need to begin with a large crowd. In the application, we will ask how many homes and approximately how many neighbors you hope to reach. Choose a starting point you can serve consistently; trust grows through steady, personal connection.
HOW THE APPLICATION PROCESS WORKS
Five clear steps.
The application helps us understand your connection to the community, your approach to serving neighbors and the support you may need to begin well.
Apply
Complete the online form, including three references and your electronic signature.
Monthly review
Applications received by the 10th are considered during that month’s review. Results are sent on the 15th.
Conversation
Selected applicants may be invited to a short conversation so we can learn more and answer questions.
Screening
Before final appointment, you will receive a separate background check disclosure and authorization. Do not submit a Social Security number or identity documents in the application form.
Welcome
Approved Captains receive onboarding information, program expectations and available resources.
PRIVACY AND RESPECT
Your information deserves care.
Application information is used to review applicants, administer the program, communicate with Captains, protect participants and measure program results. Personal information is not sold or shared for unrelated marketing. It may be handled by service providers that support the application, email, hosting or authorized screening process, and may be disclosed when required by law. Public stories, testimonials, names and identifiable photos require a separate optional permission; declining that permission will not affect an application or participation.
READY TO TAKE THE FIRST STEP
Bring your care, reliability and good judgment.
Complete the secure online Neighborhood Captain Application. The form asks about your community, availability, three references, program terms and electronic signature.
Application questions
[email protected]
Applications received by the 10th are considered during that month’s review. Results are sent on the 15th.
Open the Captain applicationFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What to know before you apply.
Do I need event planning experience?
No. Neighborly Giving will provide guides and ideas. Simple gatherings are welcome.
Do I have to reach my whole neighborhood?
No. Start with a realistic number of homes and neighbors. Consistency matters more than size.
Are monthly calls required?
Participation is encouraged because the calls provide useful support and shared learning. If a call is missed, communicate with the team and use the available resources.
Does a past conviction automatically disqualify me?
No. Screening information is reviewed individually in relation to the role and applicable law.
Will I receive funding to host gatherings?
Do not promise reimbursement or funding unless Neighborly Giving confirms it in writing. Program resources and available support will be explained during onboarding.
When will I hear back?
Applications received by the 10th are considered during that month’s review, and results are sent on the 15th. Applications received after the 10th are considered the following month.