Purpose
The program is designed to assist neighborhood groups in strengthening the social network of their community while dealing creatively with important concerns. Grants are intended to spur small grassroots community efforts.
The Neighborhood Grants Program supports partnerships between Clark County and neighborhood organizations to produce neighborhood initiated improvement projects, community organizing initiatives and community building programs. Through a competitive process, qualifying community/neighborhood organizations are awarded funds for specific projects to benefit one or more neighborhoods in Clark County.
Goals
- Improve the aesthetics, infrastructure and social capital of neighborhoods to improve the welfare of people and their communities
- Stimulate resident-driven solutions and demonstration projects
- Increase communication among neighbors
- Provide support and opportunities to develop leadership and organizational capacity
- Provide resources to assist with community-driven events
Grant Writing Workshop
Staff strongly urges all potential applicants to register and attend the Grant Writing Workshop. The Workshop will greatly assist those interested in submitting a grant application. Workshop attendees will be instructed on how to properly apply for a Community Impact Project Grant, and will be given positive consideration during the review of all grant applications. The Workshop will be held on November 17, 2008, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Clark County Government Center, 1st Floor, 500 S. Grand Central Pkwy.
Please call 455-8531 to register.
Important Dates
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October 3, 2008................. Grants available online
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November 17, 2008 ...........Workshop at the Clark County Government Center
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December 19, 2008........... Deadline for Community Impact Project Grants
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January 5, 2009.................. Committee to review applications
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February 3, 2009................ Award grant at BCC
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May 1, 2009.........................Deadline for Small/Leadership/NPZ Grants
- Neighborhood Pride Zone Projects (up to $2,000 per project) *100% Match Required * Applications are rolling application and will be accepted through May 1, 2009 at 5:00pm
- Leadership/Training Grants (up to $500) *No Match Required * Applications are rolling application and will be accepted through May 1, 2009 at 5:00pm
Who Can Apply?
- Neighborhood-based organizations of residents and non-profit organizations designed to serve a targeted area
- Established Neighborhood Pride Zones
- Ad-hoc groups of citizens who form a committee solely for the purpose of a specific project
- Community based organizations
- Faith-based organizations as long as projects are community-based, non-religious in nature and target the entire neighborhood population.
Other Requirements:
- Membership in your neighborhood organization must be open to all residents of the neighborhood
- You must involve neighborhood residents in the identification, planning and execution of the project and be able to document how you did so.
- Grant recipients must have coordinators who can meet with County staff members during regular business hours (M-F 8am to 5pm).
- Grant funds can only be used for completion of the specific project outlined in the application.
- Community Impact Project Grant recipients will be required to submit a Progress Report and Statement of Completion , including photos, on the completed project, including submittal of all receipts no later than 30 days after the project is completed.
- Successful grant recipients cannot apply for another Neighborhood Grant until the previous project is completed and the Statement of Completion is submitted.
The Clark County Neighborhood Grants Program will NOT fund the following:
- Individuals or individual businesses (or events at individual homes or business locations)
- Regional organizations
- Applicants who have not successfully carried out projects previously
- Ongoing services or operating budgets. (Community groups’ greatest asset is volunteer work hours and neighborhood networks; maximize neighborhood assets by encouraging neighbors’ contribution of time and expertise)
- A project or aspect of a project that conflicts with County policy
- Projects that are NOT community-based
- Political or other lobbying event
- Events in gated neighborhoods, unless event will actively include people from outside of gates. (Applicant must explain how they will include people in their application)
- Universities, hospitals, municipalities, media outlets, foundations, and fraternal organizations are ineligible to receive funding, although they are allowed to collaborate on neighborhood-based projects
- Enhancements that are not visible to the general public.
What you need to know about Public Funding:
If you are successful in gaining public funds from the Neighborhood Grants Program, there are some special considerations about public funding that are helpful to understand the planning of your budget and time line.
The awarded funds for Neighborhood Pride Zone Projects will be dispersed in the form of Open Purchase Orders with vendors throughout Southern Nevada. Applicants are asked to contact their County liaison to schedule a time to meet to purchase all materials needed for their project.
For example, if you plan to organize a neighborhood street cleaning and request funds to supply garbage bags, gloves, trashcans, and cleaning products, you will be contacting your county liaison to meet you at an appropriate purveyor of the items. The liaison will assist you with payment at the check out line.
How Will Decisions be Made?
A Project Selection Committee will make grant award decisions. Their decisions will be based on the criteria for the Clark County Neighborhood Grants Program and, on a first come, first served basis. All decisions made by the Neighborhood Grants committee will be final. Applicants that are not successful are welcome to reapply and encouraged to contact the committee to get feedback on their proposal.
Who is my liaison?
Urban Las Vegas Valley Liaisons
Rural Clark County Area Liaisons
Steps to Success: Writing your Proposal
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Select a project with the neighborhood and build neighborhood support - Identify an area within your neighborhood, which is in need of improvements and meets the criteria for a matching grant. Choose a project(s) through a group discussion with either your entire neighborhood or a subcommittee with oversight from the entire neighborhood. Involve as many of your neighbors as possible in the selection and planning of the project.
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Develop the scope of the project - The first part of a work plan is as simple as a 1,2,3. Projects with a well-defined mission, set of goals, and objectives are likely to have fewer surprises later on. Define your mission; what you want to accomplish. Next, list your goals; the activities needed to accomplish your mission. Then determine your objectives; the steps involved in reaching the goals.
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Determine resources needed- Develop a list of all the resources needed at each step of the way. Resources include expertise, equipment, supplies, postage, volunteers, services, etc.
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Develop a project budget- Following up on step three, you will need to get a general idea of costs involved with the project. To ensure greater accuracy in forming your budget, get written estimates of costs from more than one reliable source.
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Decide the match- Look over the list of resources and determine which items the neighborhood may be able to provide. Could an area business donate supplies or services? Can volunteer workers complete some of the tasks?
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Get technical assistance- Many projects need permits, insurance, or design review before proceeding. Contact the appropriate authority to find out what regulations and permits apply to your project. Unsure where to turn? Call Town and Liaison Services @ 455-3530.
