How does my neighborhood group get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)?
An EIN is free to obtain from the Internal Revenue Service online, by fax, mail, or telephone.
Can neighborhood groups partner together on an application?
In some cases, multiple neighborhoods can and should work together on a large-scale project. The funding amount will still be capped at a maximum of $25,000 per neighborhood per grant cycle. If you would like to determine if your project is suitable for a neighborhood group partnership, please contact OSI or attend an Information Session.
Can churches or non-profit groups apply for funding?
Not independently of a neighborhood group. A church or non-profit organization can partner with its surrounding neighborhood and must still demonstrate neighborhood support of the project. In this case, the neighborhood would be the primary applicant, and the organization would be a “partner organization.” If you would like to determine if your group or project is suitable for a neighborhood group partnership, please contact OSI or attend an Information Session.
Can groups apply for more than one grant per funding cycle?
Yes, groups can apply for funding for up to three projects. Applicants must rank the projects in order of preference.
If our neighborhood applies for more than one grant, can we apply for the maximum amount our group is eligible for on each application?
No. The maximum award amount is per neighborhood group. The reason for applying for multiple grants per neighborhood group would be if the proposed projects were significantly different from each other, and should be considered separately – for example, you want to do a landscaping project and a traffic calming project. If you’re not sure if you should apply for a single grant or multiple grants (up to 3), please contact OSI.
Can time spent preparing application count towards the match requirement?
No. While we want you to take sufficient time to put together the best proposal for your neighborhood, this time cannot be counted towards your match volunteer requirement.
Can volunteer hours completed before a grant is awarded count?
No. The project that you propose for grant funds is considered its own, independent project by the City, so no hours completed towards a complementary project can be counted towards the match requirement as volunteer time.
Will projects be weighted heavier with a higher match?
We require at least 20% match, but a higher match can help to demonstrate support and commitment to the project from the neighborhood.
What is public property?
Public property includes rights-of-way, parks, City-owned recreational facilities, or any other property owned by a public entity.
What is private property?
A: Private property is any property owned by a private entity, individual, or homeowner’s association.
We’re not a non-profit or HOA, how can we apply for grant funds?
As long as your organization has an EIN number and a separate bank account in the name of the neighborhood (not a personal checking/savings account), you are eligible to apply for up to $10,000. If your neighborhood is ready, you can also apply for grant funding to become an IRS designated non-profit organization and will be eligible for larger grants in future grant cycles.
How are projects selected?
All project applications will be reviewed by the internal review committee, comprised of City staff from various departments. A recommended project list will be compiled based on the merit of the application and the capacity of the neighborhood group to carry out and complete the proposed project. The recommended project list will then be presented to the City Council for their final approval. Once approved by Council, contracts with each neighborhood organization will be executed and projects can begin.
Our group previously received NMG funds. Can we apply again?
Yes! If your neighborhood has not received $50,000 in previous grants, we want to encourage all neighborhood groups to apply for projects they are excited about. However, if a previous grant project was not completed or the reporting requirements were not met, please discuss with City staff how you will address these issues for the new project. If the neighborhood has already received $50,000 from previous grant awards, your neighborhood is no longer eligible for a Neighborhood Matching Grant.
We have a landscaping project but are concerned about planting during hotter months.
Projects should be completed as soon as possible, but we also want plants to survive the hot summer. If it’s not practical to install plants before the weather warms up, talk with City staff about extending your project period to allow planting in the fall (i.e., October or November). Remember, neighborhoods with on-going projects are not eligible to apply for additional funding until the existing grants are closed out.
What type of fencing is eligible for the grant?
Only perimeter fencing along an arterial road that meets the requirements of the Unified Development Code (UDC) is eligible for the grant. Fences must be 100% masonry (brick, stone, architecturally finished reinforced concrete), or any other sustainable material with more than a 30-year life expectancy. Fences cannot be wood, chain link, or vinyl. See section 5.3.4 of the Unified Development Code (UDC) for specific requirements.
How do we determine if a street is an arterial?
This designation comes from the City’s Thoroughfare Development Plan. View the Thoroughfare Development Plan(PDF, 38MB).