Neighborhood Grant FAQ
What is it?
The Neighborhood Partnership Grant Program is funded by the City of Tallahassee. The program is intended to provide grants to neighborhood associations for neighborhood improvement and enrichment projects. The applicants must provide a match in services, cash, voluntary effort, or supplies. The applicants must also provide for ongoing maintenance of the project and gather support from the neighborhood.
Who may apply?
This program will provide grants to neighborhood associations, both formally and informally organized, that have identified a project to improve the City of Tallahassee's neighborhoods. Only formally organized neighborhood associations may apply for projects proposed for implementation on common property.
What types of projects are funded?
Applications for grants must provide a clear public benefit. For example, projects such as landscaping, identification signs, neighborhood plans, research, surveys, education programs or brochures, and special events are a few ideas to provide benefit to your community. Projects that are physical improvements must be in rights-of-way or on a public or common property. The application must demonstrate neighborhood support,
have the consent of the adjacent property owners, and be a project that can be permitted by federal, state, and local regulations. Any necessary permits will be the responsibility of the applicant.
What are the minimum applications criteria?
The following criteria is required of requests for funding: Applications not meeting this criteria will not be considered further. Proposed projects:
- Must provide a clear public benefit;
- Provide a match toward the project cost, including cash, services, materials, or any combination of these;
- Must not conflict with, but may supplement, existing or proposed public improvement projects or programs;
- Must represent and involve neighborhood property owners and residents;
- Any project which requires future maintenance must designate a person, association, or a responsible entity to perform the maintenance (can be counted as part of the applicant's match) it is not the intent of the program for the City to provide future maintenance;
- Must result in a definitive one-time or ongoing project (however, this is one time funding) which benefits a specific neighborhood or provides a citywide benefit;
- Must be able to be completed within 12 months of award of grant
See the checklist at the end to make sure you included everything. An original copy of the application must be provided with support materials clearly labeled.
When are the applications due?
Applications will be received on a continuing basis via hand delivery, or mail service to the Neighborhood Service Office at 435 North Macomb Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301.
How much money can I receive in a grant?
The maximum grant award per neighborhood is $2,500.00. A neighborhood may apply for more than one grant per year provided that the maximum grant amount requested in any given year does not exceed $2,500.00. The intent of the Neighborhood Partnership Grant Program is to distribute grant funds equally to all areas of the City of Tallahassee.
Special exceptions for additional projects which exceed a neighborhood's $2,500.00 grant limit may be considered based upon the availability of funds, neighborhood participation, and the project.
Both newly organizing, reorganizing and active associations are eligible for up to $250 of the maximum annual amount of $2,500 to assist neighborhoods with events to help increase their membership and to address neighborhood issues. Neighborhood organizations may match the City's contribution with volunteer time, in-kind donations of goods and services or financial contributions. The Committee will review on a case-by-case basis allocating a higher amount for joint neighborhood associations. All applicants must incorporate a mechanism that will educate and promote public safety awareness for the neighborhood, for example, crime-watch education, landscaping tips, etc. Funds are limited and are approved on a first-come basis. Applications received after expenditure of annual funds will be returned for re-application the next fiscal year.
How do I receive an application package?
You may print the application package from this PDF link (PDF), pick-up an application package at Neighborhood and Community Services, 435 North Macomb Street, Tallahassee, Florida, (891-6500).
How will the City decide which projects are funded?
A Grant Review Team comprised of City staff from several departments (Neighborhood Services, Planning, Parks & Recreation, Public Works, Office of Organizational Effectiveness, and a Citizen representing Neighborhood Associations) will review all applications that meet the minimum eligibility criteria. They will screen the projects using the selection criteria identified in the application package.
When will I know if my project is funded?
After the application is reviewed for the eligibility criteria identified in the packet, the applicant will be notified. Any projects not meeting the minimum criteria will be notified. The Grant Review Team will review and evaluate the applications. Successful applicants will be asked to sign an agreement and given notice to proceed with their projects.