Vibrant Neighborhoods Grant Program Overview - Revised November 2023

Would you like to sponsor an event in your neighborhood to bring neighbors together? Do you know of a great place to erect a welcome sign in your neighborhood? Or maybe you would like to add trees, benches or artwork to a public space within your neighborhood. Perhaps your neighborhood would benefit from landscape improvements in common areas or a community garden. The City of Tallahassee, through the Vibrant Neighborhoods Grant Program, would like to partner with neighborhood/homeowner association to implement small scale projects that enhance the livability and vibrancy of the City's neighborhoods.

The City of Tallahassee's Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Affairs (PRNA) Department has established the Vibrant Neighborhoods Grant Program to assist and to invest in resident-initiated small-scale projects that enhance the livable and vibrancy of the City's neighborhoods, ultimately improving the quality-of-life neighbors experience in their neighborhoods.  The program awards grants of $500-$2,500 on a first-come, first-served basis to qualified applicants whose proposed project meets the eligibility criteria and is administered by the City's Neighborhood Affairs Division.

Emerging and established neighborhood and homeowners' associations (HOA) may apply for funding to complete projects with a clear public benefit related to one of the following grant categories:

• Community Beautification/Placemaking
• Community Enrichment Programs/Initiatives
• Neighborhood Events

VNG grant funds and accompanying technical assistance are designed to empower neighborhood groups to effectively plan and implement solutions that enhance neighborhood vibrancy, safety, and inclusivity. These grants are intended to support enhancements that the entire neighborhood can enjoy and are not intended for regular neighborhood maintenance projects.

Grant applications will be reviewed for completeness prior to the start of the grant review process. An application will be considered complete when all applicable sections of the application are filled out and all relevant supporting documentation, including the project's budget, volunteers' sign-up sheet, letters of support, in-kind donations, etc., are attached.

Successful applicants will be required to register as vendors with the City of Tallahassee prior to execution of their Grant Agreement. All applicants that are encouraged to contact Neighborhood Affairs staff to talk through their project early in the planning process before applying.

Applications may be submitted electronically to neighborhoods@talgov.com.

Only one application per neighborhood will be accepted. Additional information about the program can be obtained by contacting Neighborhood Affairs at 850-891-8795 or neighborhoods@talgov.com.

Helpful Documents:

• Vibrant Neighborhoods Grant Application
• Budget Template
• Recently funded projects

Upcoming Events

• None at this time

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Vibrant Neighborhood Grant Program?
The Vibrant Neighborhoods Grant Program (VNG) is a matching grant program that provides funds to neighborhood and homeowners' associations to undertake small-scale neighborhood improvement, enrichment projects, and neighborhood events that enhance a sense of place and build community connections. Qualified applicants can apply for grants ranging from $750 to $2,500 to fund projects within a neighborhood located in the City of Tallahassee. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to qualified applicants whose project and funding request meet the program's funding criteria. Projects must be completed within the fiscal year that the grant is approved. A final report and a request for reimbursement must be submitted no later than September 15, 2024.

Who may apply to the program?
This program provides grants to neighborhood and homeowners' associations, both formally and informally organized, that represent neighborhoods within or partially within Tallahassee city limits. Neighborhood residents must be engaged in the development and completion of the project.

Can I apply to this grant if my neighborhood is within the CRA District?
Yes, however, neighborhoods located in the Greater Frenchtown Southside Community Redevelopment District can only apply for funding for projects in the Community Enrichment Programs/Initiatives and Neighborhood Events categories. Neighborhoods within the CRA District can apply for funding for Community Beautification/Placemaking projects from the Neighborhood Partnership Grant.

Can Individuals apply to this grant program?
No, individuals are not eligible for this grant. Additionally, the applicant for the grant must demonstrate neighborhood support for the proposed project. If the project is a physical improvement and will be constructed next to adjacent to a home(s), the applicant must demonstrate that adjacent property owners have been notified of the project and must indicate their support and/or lack the support for the proposed project. Any necessary permits necessary for the project, whether federal, state and/or local will be the responsibility of the applicant.

What types of projects are funded?

Projects submitted for grant funding must provide a clear public benefit and fall within one or more of the following categories:

• Community Beautification/Placemaking ($2500)
• Community Enrichment Programs/Initiatives ($1,000)
• Neighborhood Events ($750)

Proposed projects examples include, but are not limited to neighborhood lighting enhancements, neighborhood signs, community gardens, community events, public workshops, landscaping, or public art, such as murals and sculptures. Projects that are physical improvements must be constructed/install in the public rights of way, on public property or property owned/controlled by the neighborhood or homeowners' association.

What does "Matching Grant" mean?
Successful applicants must demonstrate support for their proposed project. The value of such support should be a minimum of 50% of requested funds. For example, a proposal requesting $1,000 of VNG funds must provide an additional $500 in matching funds towards the project (which would mean the total project cost is $1,500).

How can a neighborhood meet the matching funds requirements?
Neighborhoods are required to match awarded grant funds at 50% through one or more of the match types:

• Cash contribution: Funds are supplied from the HOA/Neighborhood Association and/or other individuals that are supporting the project. Proof of funds such as the HOA's bank account balance must be shown.
• In-kind donation: Goods or services are received at a free or reduced rate that will be used to complete the project. A contribution form must be filled out.
• Volunteer time: Volunteer time is calculated at $28/hour and must be documented on the volunteer pledge sheet at the time of submission, and on the volunteer sign in sheet at the time of completion.

What are the minimum application criteria?
To be eligible for funding, a project must:

• Be submitted by a homeowners' or neighborhood association, either formal or informal and with or without nonprofit status, located within or partially within Tallahassee city limits
• Fall in one or more of the following categories: Community Beautification/Placemaking, Community Enrichment Programs/Initiatives and Neighborhood Events
• Provide a clear public benefit
• Involve neighborhood residents in the development and completion of the project
• Demonstrate a 50% match of requested funds
• Be completed within the same fiscal year the grant is approved (for Fiscal Year 2024, the project's final report and request for reimbursement must be received by September 15, 2024)
• Include a detailed budget
• Show the applicant's capacity to complete and maintain the project. Examples:
• Include previous partnership support and/or completion of similarly sized projects, etc.
• Identify a person, association, or a responsible entity who will lead and then maintain the project
• Not conflict with, but rather enhances existing or proposed public improvement projects or programs

Additionally, an original copy of the application must be provided with supporting materials clearly labeled. Refer to the application checklist to verify that all necessary items have been included.

How much money can a neighborhood receive in a grant?
The maximum grant award is $2,500. A neighborhood or homeowners' association may only apply for one grant per fiscal year, with amounts ranging between $500 and $2,500 depending on the project. The Neighborhood Affairs Manager reserves the right to make an award for less than the amount requested in the application. The same neighborhood will not be funded in consecutive years.

• Community Beautification/Placemaking - up to $2,500 (Examples: Neighborhood signage, new landscaping, new lighting, new public art installation, new public seating areas)
• Community Enrichment Programs/Initiatives - up for $1,000 (Examples: Community Garden, free little library installation, community mural, youth programs, yard of the month program)
• Events - up to $750 (Examples: Block parties, neighborhood festival, holiday gathering,)

Are multi-neighborhood applications allowed?
Multi-neighborhood projects are allowed and encouraged in the "Community enrichment programs/initiatives" and "Events" categories. There may be some flexibility to increase the maximum amount for these projects by up to 50% if there is a demonstrated budgetary need. The designated lead neighborhood would serve as the primary applicant and project administrator. The lead neighborhood would ineligible apply for additional grants in the same fiscal year; other partner neighborhoods could apply for their own grants for other projects.

How are funds disbursed?
This is a reimbursable grant; funds will be reimbursed upon submission of receipts or invoices for approved items. In some cases, the City can pay an approved vendor directly. For grants of $500, a prepaid credit card can be supplied if that is preferable to the grantee. Receipts would still need to be submitted as documentation.

What are the reporting requirements?
Neighborhoods receiving grant funds will be required to submit a final report to document the project and the use of grant funds. The final report form will be provided to grantees shortly after selection.

Do I have to get quotes for everything included in our budget?
Single purchase over $3,000 will need to get three quotes. For purchases under $3,000, quotes are not required. However, it is recommended that quotes are obtained whenever possible to ensure proper stewardship of grant funds.

How will Neighborhood Affairs decide which projects are funded?
A Grant Review Team (comprised of City of Tallahassee staff) will review the applications received to determine eligibility and funding levels for qualified projects. The Grant Review Team will notify applicants whose proposed projects do not meet the eligibility criteria. An applicant can revise the project to meet the grant eligibility criteria and resubmit the application. No funds will be reserved for a project that does not meet the eligibility criteria. Resubmitted applications will be treated as a new application.

Applications will be evaluated based on the following:

Project Criteria

• Project Design
• The project is well-designed and ready for execution.
• The applicant demonstrates the capacity to implement the project.
• The project is innovative and creative.
• Participation & Collaboration
• Broad-based neighborhood participation is evident; there is a clear plan for ongoing participation.
• The project demonstrates a collaborative effort and makes use of other community resources.
• Project Impact
• The project provides a substantial and lasting benefit in a neighborhood within or partially within City of Tallahassee limits.
• Budget & Matching Funds
• The budget is clear and realistic.
• The minimum required is met.
• The proposed match is clearly documented and ready to expend.

When will I know if my project is funded?
The Grant Review Team will notify applicants within fourteen business days of the decision to fund a proposed project. All successful applicants will be asked to sign an agreement with the City of Tallahassee and will be given notice to proceed with their projects. Successful applicants must register as vendor with the City of Tallahassee prior to executing the grant agreement. Projects utilizing the City's rights of way (ROW) will also need to sign an additional agreement.

What happens if my project doesn't meet the criteria?
If the proposed project does not meet the criteria, the application will be returned. The applicant can modify the project to meet the requisite criteria and resubmit the application. For recording and time-stamping purposes, resubmitted applications will be treated as a new submittal.

Who do I contact for more information or to receive assistance?
Contact the Neighborhood Affairs Division at 850-891-8795 or neighborhoods@talgov.com. Staff are happy to help talk through neighborhood project ideas and connect you to other City resources that may help with project planning.