Grant Program Roundup, Help Sessions Available
March 01, 2008
It’s grant season for neighborhood groups in Omaha. Below is a roundup of funding opportunities available to neighborhoods, along with information on a pair of March workshops designed to help those interested with the application process.
Neighborhood Innovation Awards
The Neighborhood Innovation Awards, launched by the Omaha Community Foundation (OCF) in 2008, strive to increase residents’ involvement and pride in their neighborhood by:
- Building on strengths the neighborhood currently possesses
- Funding and supporting sustainable projects that build neighborhood capacity and continue to develop leadership
- Encouraging the development of creative and innovative ideas that enrich the neighborhood and the lives of its residents
- Funding projects that strive to move beyond a one-day event or physical building projects toward longer term projects that will inspire residents to come together and make their neighborhood a safer, more close-knit place to live
The OCF Grant Committee will look for project proposals that meet the following criteria:
- Involvement – residents are active in identifying neighborhood concerns and work together to create, implement and follow through on a plan to address these concerns
- Investment – the finished product is a long-term contribution to the improvement of the neighborhood and to the lives of its residents
- Innovation – residents lead a project that is “outside-of-the-box” and will revitalize their neighborhood
- Impact – project creates a sense of pride among the residents and has viable, lasting effects on the community
Available grants include capacity-building grants up to $5,000 distributed over a period of three years and leadership grants up to $10,000 distributed over a period of three years.
The application deadline is May 1. For more information, visit http://www.omahacf.org/page15387.cfm.
Mutual of Omaha’s Neighborhood Grant Program
Eligible neighborhood associations can apply for grants to fund projects that strengthen resident participation and promote neighborhood development within at least one of the following categories:
- Beautification/Identity
- Crime Prevention/Safety
- Education
- Health and Wellness
- Parks and Recreation
- Restoration
The maximum for grant requests is $5,000. All neighborhood organizations listed in the City of Omaha’s Neighborhood Group Directory are eligible to apply online at www.mutualofomaha.com/about/corporate_support. Grant applications are due by Monday, March 31. The Mutual of Omaha neighborhood grant committee will review applications and notify applicants the first week of June.
Mayor Mike Fahey’s 2008 Neighborhood Grant Program
Information on Mayor Mike Fahey’s 2008 Neighborhood Grant Program is set for distribution the week of March 17. The president of each neighborhood association will receive a packet.
Workshops Available
For those who need help with their grant applications, the Neighborhood Center for Greater Omaha – in conjunction with the Omaha Community Foundation, the Mutual of Omaha Foundation and the City of Omaha’s Office of the Mayor – will host two workshops this month. The schedule is as follows:
Saturday, March 15
9 to 11 a.m.
Neighborhood Center for Greater Omaha
115 S. 49th Ave.
Monday, March 24
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Neighborhood Center for Greater Omaha
115 S. 49th Ave.
Grant providers and “coaches” will help participants develop a plan, and review and edit applications. They will also offer suggestions. These individuals will not write any grant applications, and computers will not be available.
Those planning to attend should bring their materials, ideas and draft applications to the workshop. For more information, contact the Neighborhood Center at 402.561.7582.