The city is offering residents and community groups up to $250 to host Halloween-themed block parties this season. The mayor’s office says it is also making it easier to secure permits for street closings to allow for safer trick-or-treating.

The deadline to apply for the “Spooky Streets” mini-grants is Sept. 20.

“These spooky streets block parties provide safe, fun, and festive opportunities for our families to celebrate Halloween with their neighbors, and that is why we’re making it easier for everyone to apply for a grant,” said Mayor Wu.

To be eligible, all block parties must be free and open to the public and on a public street, not a park, and must be hosted the week leading up to Halloween from Friday, Oct. 25 - Sunday, Nov. 3. Go to boston.gov/blockparty to apply.