County officials will hold two meetings in coming weeks to help local neighborhoods and homeowner associations improve their chances for a successful grant application of up to $10,000 in one-time neighborhood improvement funding.
The two meetings, Jan. 24 and Feb. 6, will go over the Manatee County Neighborhood Enhancement Grant which provides matching grants of up to $10,000 to help neighborhoods improve their leadership, character, safety, health, or environment.
"The Neighborhood Enhancement Grant program is a great opportunity for neighborhoods to come together to brainstorm projects that can activate their potential," said Debbie Deleon, Neighborhood Services Coordinator. "It has been revamped to address the needs of the neighborhoods post the Great Recession and allows for two different grant levels."The grant aims to strengthen neighborhood associations and the communities which they serve.
Applications should show community support and involvement in both the application and implementation phases of proposed projects/programs. Homeowners associations and other resident-based groups located in Manatee County are eligible to apply.
Any neighborhood group or association, crime watch group, or non-profit group partnered with a Manatee County neighborhood and working toward its enhancement are also able to apply.
Groups must be comprised of neighborhood residents and stakeholders, and the project or event must be held in the same neighborhood.Grants of up to $1,000 require no community match. Projects between $1,001 and $10,000 require a dollar-for-dollar match above $1,000.
Matching may be in raised dollars or in-kind contributions. There are two information sessions applicants can attend to learn more about the program. Both meetings will take place in the 4th floor in the Manatee Room of the County Administration Building, 1112 Manatee Ave. W.
The first meeting will be Thurs., Jan. 24 from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. The second meeting will be Wed., Feb. 6 from 6 - 8 p.m. The deadline to apply for the grant is Feb. 28.
More information on the grant and how to apply can be found at www.mymanatee.org/neg. For questions on the grant program, call the Neighborhood Connections division at (941) 749-3030, ext. 6818 or visit www.mymanatee.org/neg.
For more information on Manatee County Government, visit online at www.mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. You can also follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/manatee.county.fl and on Twitter, @ManateeGov.