The NEP program's primary goals are to identify and fund innovative activities to address a neighborhood's specific needs; assist and then showcase Michigan neighborhood(s) where people are engaged and facilitating change; and to provide funding to facilitate and implement activities.

The NEP program can financially assist high-impact, innovative, neighborhood housing-oriented activities that benefit low and moderate income areas and residents. All components are designed to fund tangible housing-oriented activities that are: implementation ready; highly visible; impactful to the neighborhood and resident's qualify of life; holistically/community focused; and where there is buy-in and demonstrated support within the neighborhood and community.