By Tamas Mondovics
In an effort to improve communities, strengthen neighborhood associations, and encourage civic involvement, neighborhood associations located in Hillsborough County can apply for mini-grants up to $2,500 before time runs out.
“The purpose of the grant program is to strengthen neighborhoods, associations and the communities they serve,” said Wanda Sloan from the County’s Neighborhood Relations Office.
Sloan said that the applications, which are accepted from now through Friday, August 8 at 5 p.m., should demonstrate community support in the application and implementation phases of proposed projects or programs.
Mini-grants are available to fund community projects in both unincorporated areas of the County and the cities of Plant City, Tampa and Temple Terrace.
Sloan said that in the past, grant-funded projects have included playground equipment, community festivals, neighborhood signs, community clean ups, shrub and flower beautification projects, crime watch programs, websites and newsletters.
“Neighborhoods have used the grant money for a variety of uses,” Sloan said. “Crime watch equipment and neighborhood identity signs are actually amongst some of the most popular items the grants are used for.” Grants are also available year-round for tree-planting, low-flow irrigation and clean-up projects in neighborhoods in unincorporated Hillsborough County.
Applications will be reviewed by the Neighborhood Mini-Grant Evaluation Committee and approved by the Board of County Commissioners. Only one grant will be awarded per neighborhood. Recipients will be notified by Sunday, November 30.
Neighborhoods interested in applying for a mini-grant must view an online orientation training video that explains the application process, grant criteria and qualifying projects before applying. See the video and application at www.hillsboroughcounty.org/ onr/minigrant. Completed applications may dropped off or mailed to Office of Neighborhood Relations at 601 E. Kennedy Blvd. 21st Floor in Tampa, e-mailed to sloanw@hillsboroughcounty.org, or faxed to 276-2621.
For more information, call ONR at 272-5860.
