PURPOSE
The purpose of this grant program is to strengthen neighborhood associations and the communities which they serve. Applications must demonstrate community support and involvement in both the application and implementation phases of proposed projects/programs. Manatee County’s Neighborhood Enhancement Grant Program provides matching grants of up to $10,000 to neighborhoods. Grants are awarded on a rolling basis as long as funds last. Projects must be completed within 12 months of receiving funding. Grants may be awarded for any one-time improvement project, activities or events with a clear public benefit.
WHO CAN APPLY?
Homeowners associations and other resident-based groups located in Manatee County are eligible to apply. Any neighborhood group or association, crime watch groups, or non-profit group partnered with a neighborhood and working towards its enhancement located in Manatee County. Groups must be comprised of neighborhood residents and stakeholders, and the project or event must be held in the same neighborhood.
Groups are asked to register for Neighborhood Connections Magazine (www.mymanatee.org/ncm) and to create a contact for the Project Outreach Database (www.mymanatee.org/projectoutreach).
Grants are awarded up to $10,000 in matching funds for an association in a single fiscal year. Groups that have applied in previous years are eligible to apply again, however priority is awarded to new projects.
GRANT LEVELS
Level I: $0 - $1,000
- No community matching required
- Must be to neighborhood-wide public benefit
Level II: $1,001 - $10,000
- 1-for-1 matching required for funding above $1,000
- Must be to neighborhood-wide public benefit
- Matching may be in raised dollars or in-kind contributions (sweat equity)
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS
The following list is suggestive, not exhaustive, of projects that may fall within the spirit of the program. Projects must be neighborhood specific.
Character: “Placemaking” through the creation or enhancement of assets that are a source of pride and neighborhood identity
- Beautification (landscaping, art, clean-ups)
- History (landmark restoration or other celebrations of the neighborhood’s past)
- Appreciation programs (Yard of the Month, Neighborhood Hero)
- Free Little Library Book Exchange
- Social Events that bring neighbors together (block party, youth event, holiday party, etc.)
Leadership: Training neighborhood leaders or teams, and developing skills, for neighborhood governance or action
- Communication (directory, website, newsletter)
- Workshops or conferences (tuition support, cost of instructional materials)
- Teambuilding experiences and exercises
Safety: Equipping the neighborhood with knowledge or tools to prevent, prepare for, confront or respond to incidences of crime, danger or disaster.
- Educational programming on pedestrian and bicycle safety
- Community Emergency Response Team training & other disaster-preparedness exercises or resources
- Neighborhood Watch (Start-up funds to purchase vests, flash lights, etc.)
Environment: Protecting water & energy resources, and native plants & animals (Note: That only Florida-Friendly landscaping will be considered)
- Improving water quality in our watersheds (ditches, canals, retention ponds)
- Removing invasive species (Brazilian Peppers, Air Potato, etc.)
- Habitat enhancement for native animals
Health: Increasing access to nutritious diets, physical or mental fitness opportunities, or health education
- Community gardens
- Trails, stretching stations, playgrounds, equipment storage, meditation gardens
- Presentations from health professionals
INELIGIBLE PROJECTS
The following is a sample list of projects/programs that would not be eligible for funding:
- Alcohol, tobacco or controlled substances.
- Beverages and food
- Capital items (individual items that would require tracking by County property control, excluding signage/surveillance camera equipment)
- Computer hardware/software and other electronic devices and related equipment
- Daily operating expenses and maintenance
- Duplication of an existing public or private program
- Expenditures or financial commitments made before the organization has signed the funding agreement
- Fines, penalties and associated costs
- Food/drink for festivals/celebrations
- Funding for organizations located outside of Manatee County
- Fundraising, investment management cost or employee salaries and other associated cost
- Gift cards/gifts
- Home improvements
- Interior repairs or improvements
- Lodging fees and associated costs
- Ongoing multi-year projects
- Ongoing or operational costs (including salaries/personnel)
- Operating expenses not directly related to the awarded project
- Private transportation expenses including mileage, gas, insurance, car rentals, etc.
- Projects typically funded under other sources such as County (or City) department operating budgets, Capital Improvement Program, Community Development Block Grant Program
- Projects which conflict with existing County plans/policies
- Projects/programs already funded from another source (including current operating budgets)
- Projects/programs that have already been completed
- Salaries for administration
- To replace funding lost from other funding sources
- Trophies and awards and associated cost
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS & CHECKLIST
- Must have active, identifiable leadership recognized and/or elected by its members.
- All questions/worksheets must be thoroughly completed.
- All projects/programs must demonstrate the potential to benefit the neighborhood.
- Evidence of association consensus for the project must be provided.
- Must demonstrate broad-based community support for and participation in proposed project.
- Must perform project within the geographic area in which applying.
- Must demonstrate fiscal accountability and have an established process to manage grant funds.
- Must have the capacity to complete the proposed project and submit final documents 12 months after signing funding agreement with Manatee County Government.
- Only one application per association per fiscal year will be considered.
- No project/program expenses may be incurred until the signing of the letter of understanding and staff authorization of the expense.
- A W9 Form is REQUIRED.
- Three (3) bids are REQUIRED. If you're having a difficult time receiving bids try Manatee Chamber's Local Quotes 4 U Program: http://business.manateechamber.com/rfp If you're unable to submit the 3 bids by the deadline, please still submit your application, with any notes.
READY TO APPLY?
Download the Neighborhood Enhancement Grant documents below and be ready to attach them to the online application. Deadline to apply for the grant is February 28, 2019 by 3 p.m. No exceptions will be made.
- Flyer
- Fact Sheet
- Volunteer Form
- Budget & Neighborhood Contribution Form - Don't forget to include your 3 bids for items, work, or services!
- 2018-19 Scoring Rubric
- W-9 Form
- Sign up for Neighborhood Connections Magazine (Person submitting the application must be signed up to receive the e-magazine)
- Sign up for Project Outreach (Neighborhood must be listed in the database)
QUESTIONS
Please contact the Neighborhood Connections Division at 941-749-3030 x6818 or email neighborhoodconnections@mymanatee.org