Sarasota County To Host Neighborhood Initiative Grant Workshops

SARASOTA, FL – For 15 years, Sarasota County has given a leg-up to neighborhoods looking to better themselves through its Neighborhood Initiative Grants. Over the next few weeks, the county will host workshops for residents to learn more about the program.

Twice per year, area neighborhoods can submit proposals to Sarasota County to fund improvements they wish to see in their community through the Neighborhood Initiative Grant Program. The competitive program has provided matching funds, currently up to $10,000 per neighborhood, since 2002.

Between May 31 and June 19, Sarasota County will host seven Neighborhood Initiative Grant workshops for residents who wish to participate in the November round of grant funding. Completion of a workshop is a mandatory step of the grant application process. Neighborhoods with a Certificate of Completion older than three years ago asked to recertify.

The workshops will take place at the following times and locations:

• Wednesday, May 31: Gulf Gate Library, 7112 Curtiss Ave., Sarasota, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Thursday, June 1: Selby Library, 1331 First St., Sarasota, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Monday, June 5: Elsie Quirk Library, 100 W. Dearborn St., Englewood, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 7: North Port Library, 13800 Tamiami Trail, North Port, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 14: Fruitville Library, 100 Coburn Road, Sarasota, 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 14: Jacaranda Library, 4143 Woodmere Park Blvd., Venice, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Monday, June 19: Sarasota County Administration Center, 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The workshops are free and materials will be provided. The workshops will include an in-depth explanation of the program details, processes and application.

In addition, Sarasota County Neighborhood Services will host a grant Share-shop on Tuesday, May 30 from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Gulf Gate Library. The Share-shop provides a firsthand perspective of the grant program from a panel of grant recipients, a grant advisory committee member, a staff reviewer and the grant coordinator.

This month’s Share-shop will feature a project from Pine Run Association, which focused on the removal of invasive plant species from natural habitats.

Residents can propose projects within one of five themes:

• Character: The creation or enhancement of assets that are a source of pride and neighborhood identity
• Leadership: Training neighborhood leaders or teams and developing skills for neighborhood governance or action
• Safety: Equipping the neighborhood with knowledge or tools to prevent, prepare for, confront or respond to incidences of crime, danger or disaster
• Environment: Protecting water, energy resources or native habitats
• Health: Increasing access to nutritious diets and physical or mental fitness

The Neighborhood Initiative Grant Program requires neighborhoods to contribute at least 50 percent of project expenses. Neighborhoods can either match funds through cash or donations or gain credit of $15 per hour through volunteer labor.

Neighborhood Services must receive an Intent to Apply by Monday, July 10 at 5 p.m. to accommodate staff consultations. Completed applications must be turned in by Wednesday, Sept. 6 at 5 p.m.

Grants are tentatively scheduled to be scored by the Neighborhood Initiative Grant Advisory Committee on Tuesday, Oct 3 and presented to the Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday, Nov. 14.

Twenty-four hour advance registration for the workshops is required. Contact (941) 861-5000 or neighbor@scgov.net to reserve a seat.

Image via the Sarasota County Government Facebook Page