2007 Emerging Neighborhoods Funds Left

The City of Madison is now taking applications for the remaining 2007 Emerging Neighborhoods grant funds. The purpose of this City program is to enhance the quality of life in our challenged neighborhoods where lower income people live, particularly through innovative and grassroots approaches to neighborhood-based community building. This program provides a unique opportunity for neighborhood groups and organizations to develop and propose a broad array of neighborhood-initiated improvements and organizing projects. A neighborhood group may be established just to undertake a project – the group does not need to be “incorporated.”

I’ve copied the Proposal Guidelines below, but don’t have the Application Form. A total of $25,400 is available for this second round of 2007 funding. Proposals must be received in the Mayor’s Office by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 28, 2007, in order to be considered for funding. If you have questions or need further information, please contact the City staff listed in the Proposal Guidelines at the bottom.

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City of Madison Allied And Emerging Neighborhoods Funds
Proposal Guidelines 2007

I. PURPOSE

The City of Madison is seeking proposals from neighborhood groups, non-profit agencies and other community-based organizations to fund programs which will enhance the quality of life in challenged neighborhoods in the City of Madison where lower income people live.

II. PROGRAM GOAL AND OBJECTIVES

Goal: To enhance the quality of life in the challenged and other emerging neighborhoods.

Program Objectives:

  • Promote innovative and grassroots approaches to neighborhood based community building.
  • Improve neighborhood communication, particularly with non-English speaking residents.
  • Promote community organizing and development of advocacy groups and neighborhood associations that are inclusive and incorporate all voices of their community.
  • Promote economic development and creation of neighborhood-based jobs and business opportunities.
  • Improve the access and delivery of human service programs at the neighborhood level.

III. ELIGIBILITY

Non-profit organizations and agencies which have obtained tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS tax code and/or have incorporated under Chapter 181, Wisconsin Statutes, are eligible to apply for this program.

Unincorporated neighborhood resident groups are also encouraged to apply for this program. Prior to receiving funding, these groups (at the City’s discretion) may be required to secure a fiscal agent to disburse the grant monies received.

IV. FUNDS AVAILABILITY

Funds will be administered by the Mayor’s Office under the direction of the Neighborhood/Community Liaison. Funding requests will be reviewed by the Mayor’s Office in conjunction with representatives from Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Community Services, Planning Unit, a neighborhood representative and the Common Council President or designee. Funding recommendations will be submitted to the Mayor and Common Council for approval.

A total of $25,400 is available for the remaining of 2007. Grant amounts may range from $2500 to $10,000.

Funding proposals may be for one year only or multi-year, if applicable, to correspond to funding timelines of the United Way of Dane County, Madison Community Foundation, City of Madison Community Development Block Grant Program and Community Resources Program, Dane County Human Services or other funding sources.

Funding can be used for childcare, tuition assistance, housing, neighborhood revitilization, early childhood education and other programs to enhance the quality of life in the City’s emerging neighborhoods, which includes:

  • Costs for staff hours
  • Operating costs such as office supplies, telephone, postage, printing, training, rent, transportation, insurance and bookkeeping/audit fees
  • Fees and scholarships
  • Program supplies and equipment
  • Capital costs necessary to operate a program may be approved if integral to the program and funding is unavailable from other sources
  • Other budget requests may be considered but will be at the discretion of the City of Madison review team.

V. REVIEW PROCESS AND CRITERIA FOR SELECTION

A review team comprised of representatives from the Mayor’s Office, CDBG, Community Services, a neighborhood representative, and the Common Council President, or designee will evaluate proposals based on the following criteria:

  • Extent to which the proposed program will build relationships, networks and alliances across the neighborhood and across issues.
  • Extent to which the proposed program demonstrates an innovative approach to address a neighborhood need.
  • Extent to which the proposed program documents the grassroots involvement of neighborhood residents, particularly their skills, knowledge and experience, to address a neighborhood issue or concern.
  • Extent to which the proposed program strengthens existing services or builds on a neighborhood asset.
  • Extent to which the proposed program demonstrates long-term sustainability through matching funds, volunteer support or other resources.

VI. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

All grant recipients will be required to submit periodic service and financial reports for the term of the Agreement. Report deadlines and specific reporting agreements will be established in the agreement with the City.

VII. SUBMITTAL OF APPLICATION

Submit your original proposal and six copies, either through the mail to the City of Madison, Mayor’s Office, 210 Martin Luther King, Jr., Blvd., Room 403, Madison, WI 53703, or hand deliver to the Mayor’s Office, Room, 403, City County Building, 210 Martin Luther King, Jr., Blvd.

Proposals must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. onWednesday, November 28, 2007.

VIII. TIMELINE

Proposals due in Mayor’s Office 4:30 p.m., November 28, 2007
Proposed review November 30, 2007
Common Council December 4, 2007
Contracts prepared and programs initiated Week of December 10, 2007*
(Note, funds may be carried over into 2008 if needed to accomplish the initiative)

*Tentative dates subject to change

IX. TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND CONTACT PEOPLE

Questions and requests for technical assistance or questions concerning the program guidelines or application form may be directed to either of the following people:

Enis Ragland, Office of Community Services at 266-6520 or eragland@cityofmadison.com or
Lorri Wendorf, Office of Community Services at 261-9121, Ext. 260 or lwendorf@cityofmadison.com

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