Do you have a fun, creative community project idea but need funding to get it going? The Community Advisory Board is excited to announce that it is now accepting applications for the 2023 Community Improvement Grant Program.
Donor Name: City of Santa Rosa
State: California
City: Santa Rosa
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 03/31/2023
Size of the Grant: $2,500
Details:
The CIG Program supports community building, improves neighborhoods, and strengthens relationships among residents. The CIG Program provides mini-grants for the City of Santa Rosa’s Neighborfest Program, which offers neighbors the chance to come together, have fun, and build stronger, more connected communities. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all community events including Neighborfest have been suspended until further notice. This year, in lieu of Neighborfest, the CAB will be issuing grants for eligible community improvement projects. All approved projects must be inclusive, accessible, free of charge to participants, and focus on broad community support.
The City of Santa Rosa Community Advisory Board (CAB) connects city government to residents so the public can have a voice in decisions that impact their lives and build a stronger community. In 2018, CAB Members came together to develop a five-year strategic plan. Two of the CAB’s strategic priorities are to build connected and empowered neighborhoods, and form strong, trusting relationships with community leaders. One of the ways in which they achieve these goals is by implementing the Community Improvement Grant (CIG) Program.
Focus Areas
All grant applications must align with City Council goals and priorities:
- General Community Building Project Ideas:
- Community gardens – creation or cleanup
- Community cleanup day
- Art projects
- Memorial projects (e.g. bench or plaque purchase and installation)
- Youth-led projects
- Neighborhood group development (e.g. neighborhood association creation, neighborhood communications creation, neighborhood leadership development, etc.)
- Council Priorities Project Ideas:
- Deliver Housing for All – Pursue Housing options for residents of all income level.
- Reduce Homelessness and its Impacts – Partner with key stakeholders to offer housing and support services to the unsheltered and address the issues and causes of homelessness
- Ensure a Healthy and Safe Community for All – Ensure the public’s safety by engaging residents and using a broad range of proactive approaches
- Promote Economic and Community Vibrancy – Sustain and develop a diverse and thriving economy that benefits Santa Rosa residents and businesses and contributes to the community’s economic health.
- Build and Maintain Sustainable Infrastructure – Invest and maintain infrastructure that supports environmental sustainability and supports a vibrant City.
- Achieve Organizational Excellence – Create a high performing organization that is proactive; fiscally sound; promotes diversity, equity and inclusion; and reliably delivers outstanding services to the community.
Funding Information
CIG funds must be matched by funds from other sources that meet or exceed your grant request. These may be actual funds or in-kind donations (e.g. donated supplies, volunteer hours, etc.). All projects MUST demonstrate a 1:1 match. For example, a project requesting a $500 grant must have a minimum of $500 in matching funds, for a total project budget of $1,000. The maximum grant amount is $2,500. However, there is no maximum match funds amount. Please make sure to list all actual funds or in-kind donations going into your project.
Projects
- Public and Community Improvements: physical construction/improvement projects. Examples include but are not limited to: murals/public art, benches, park improvements/repairs, community clean-ups, tree planting, graffiti removal, community, school or service club project, signage, creek restoration and neighborhood gardens.
- Community Practices: activities that create or enhance the sense of community among individuals within a regional area or within a group that shares a common interest. Examples include: neighborhood leadership development trainings, community leadership trainings, formation of a neighborhood association, etc.
Eligibility Criteria
Nonprofits, neighborhood groups and/or associations, homeowner associations, service clubs, community groups and /or organizations, and schools may apply to fund a project in Santa Rosa. However, applicants do not have to have an established organization to apply for the funds. Any large or small group of neighbors or community members who want to improve where they live can apply for these grants. The funds may be used to improve a street, block, neighborhood, or community.
For more information, visit City of Santa Rosa.
