Hillsborough County Neighborhood Relations is providing neighborhoods with an opportunity to invest in their communities and create a legacy for years to come via an influx of cash. Applications are open for the 2023 Neighborhood Mini-Grant Program.
The grant provides up to $5,000 in funding for neighborhood organizations to foster healthy, safe and engaged communities through innovative and creative projects in several categories, including Neighborhood Identification, Leadership Empowerment, Safety Opportunities and Education, Environmental Enhancements, Health and Wellness Engagement, Neighborhood Preparedness and Neighborhood and Community Innovation.
Don’t live in a neighborhood? Civic associations, homeowners’ associations and special taxing districts in Hillsborough County are eligible to apply. Neighborhood organizations must be registered in the Neighborhood Directory Listing before applying for a mini-grant.
Division director for customer engagement and support Stephanie Agliano said she’s seen some great projects that have come to fruition because of the grant.
Tampa’s Bowman Heights residents used the grant to enhance its entry to help residents foster pride in their community. Bella Villa Luxury Townhomes built a zen garden. Carrollwood Village’s association installed a flagpole that lit up at night. Residents of Fletcher’s Mill Townhouse created a walking group to promote health and wellness.
River Hills’s homeowners’ association discovered an environmental area in its now-defunct golf course that was converted into a one-mile walking trail.
“That project encourages citizens to get active and get outside,” said Agliano. “The money can be used for many projects that strengthen communities and bring people together.”
Closer to home, Bealsville Inc. was one of the groups awarded the grant last year. They purchased Adirondack chairs for a program they dubbed ‘Cool Breeze Under the Trees.’ The chairs, purchased from Southern Hospitality in July, were placed near the historic Glover School under the shade of canopied oak trees.
Bealsville Inc. executive director Gwendolyn Thomas said residents and visitors now have a place to relax in the shade and take in the scenery. When the chairs were first delivered and set up, several senior citizens came out and started modeling the chairs for us,” joked Thomas. “It was a great photo opportunity for us.”
The original grant only allowed for the purchase of five chairs but they were able to order more because another group that was awarded a grant didn’t use the money. “If you don’t apply for this program then you’re missing out,” she said.
The deadline to apply is Nov. 14 at 5 p.m. Visit HCFLGov.net/MiniGrant to learn more about the grant application process, the requirements and to complete the application.