Good Neighbor Day Nomination
Every neighborhood has someone who quietly makes it a better place.
The neighbor who checks in after a storm.
The one who always waves from the porch.
The person who shovels a sidewalk.
The neighbor who shares tomatoes from the garden.
The one who welcomes new families.
The person who makes everyone feel like they belong.
These everyday acts of kindness often go unnoticed. We want to change that.
In celebration of Good Neighbor Day, Kind Hearts Bloom is inviting our community to recognize the neighbors who make our neighborhoods stronger, kinder, and more connected.
Good Neighbor Day has been celebrating the power of neighborly connection for more than 50 years. The celebration gained national recognition in the 1970s, including presidential proclamations form Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter. Today, Good Neighbor Day is celebrated each year on September 28, inviting communities across the country to connect with and appreciate the people who make their neighborhoods feel like home.
About Good Neighbor Day
How It Works
Nominate a Neighbor
September 1 - 21
Share the story of a neighbor who has made a difference in your community. Tell us what they’ve done and why they deserve to be celebrated.
We’ll Read Every Story
September 22 - 27
We’ll review every submission and select 10–15 neighbors whose stories reflect the spirit of good neighboring.
Bouquet Surprises
September 28 - October 2
During Good Neighbor Week, we’ll surprise each selected neighbor with a handcrafted bouquet grown in Kind Hearts Bloom gardens, along with the story shared about them.
Who Should You Recognize?
Think beyond big gestures.
We’re looking for people who make neighborhoods feel like home.
Maybe they…
✿ Welcome new neighbors
✿ Bring people together
✿ Help without being asked
✿ Check in on someone who lives alone
✿ Organize gatherings
✿ Lend tools
✿ Share garden harvests
✿ Show kindness in ordinary ways
Eligibility & Guidelines
To keep this recognition focused on everyday acts of neighboring, please note:
You may not nominate yourself.
Nominees must live in the greater Grand Rapids area.
Acts of kindness should be voluntary and not simply part of someone's paid job or professional responsibilities.
Individuals may be nominated for the ways they go above and beyond their job responsibilities as neighbors or community members.
Nominators must provide their name and contact information in case we need to follow up about the nomination.
If selected, you may choose whether your name is shared with the recipient or kept anonymous.
Current Kind Hearts Bloom board members and staff are not eligible.
If you're unsure whether someone is eligible, we'd still love to hear their story. We can always follow up if we have questions.
Know someone who deserves to be celebrated?
Tell us their story.
Complete the form below by September 21