Any neighborhood in Ames, including those dominated by Iowa State students, can apply for city money to improve or beautify the area — if applicants meet today’s deadline.

The project is being sponsored by the “NIP It” program.

Any Ames resident can apply to receive a grant of up to $5,000 to improve his or her neighborhood, she said, but the application must be a neighborhood-wide effort, said Lynette Windsor, “NIP It” project coordinator.

Once all applications are received, a group of four citizens — one from each quadrant of Ames.

The city manager, city engineer, city planner and Windsor assess the applicants.

The grants are awarded on a systems of points. The points are awarded for six different categories: resident involvement, project impact, safety, public space, improved housing and environment.

Windsor said neighborhood residents must state on the application how much the project will cost and agree to match whatever amount the city awards them, either in cash or labor.

Clare Bills, public relations officer for the city, said after the projects are finished, the neighborhoods make presentations about them to Ames City Council.

Bills said council members hoped by implementing this program that Ames residents would have a chance to bring neighbors together.

“When you know your neighbors, you look out for each other, and that really does improve safety,” Bills said.

Applications must be turned into the city manager’s office by 5 p.m. today and are available in his office at City Hall, 515 Clark Ave., or on the city of Ames Web site at www.city.ames.ia.us.