Neighborhood Pride Grants
Fulton Block Builders offers a wide range of grants (between $100 and $3,000), and a very small number of larger ones, to support projects and activities that sow the seeds of revitalization by engaging residents in the resurgence of their neighborhoods. Pride Grants require coordination with neighbors to improve the neighborhood. At least 5 neighborhood households must apply together for the grant. If the work is for public space (sidewalks, curbs, parks, etc.), the grants do not require a match (i.e. The area between the sidewalk and street is considered public space.). If the project improves private properties (roughly between sidewalk & house), and the entire cost for the street is less than $300, no funds from applicants are required. If the grant exceeds $300, then a minimum of a 1:1-dollar match from property owners are required for every dollar above $300.
Pride Grants FAQ’s
1. What are Neighborhood Pride Grants?
Pride Grants are grants that assist neighbors in implementing projects that improve streetscapes, parks or add cohesion to a neighborhood.
2. Are we guaranteed funding if we apply?
No. Applications are competitive (see #7 and #8 below). Awards are based on availability of funds, neighborhood involvement, quality and scope of project, and location. Also, if a Pride Grant is funded, it may be funded for less than the amount requested.
3. How are Neighborhood Pride Grants Different than Fulton Block Challenge Grants?
Fulton Block Challenge Grants are a separate program that provide matching funds for homeowners to improve the exterior of their own properties in almost any way they see fit. Each participant "does their own thing" with their own homes. In contrast, Neighborhood Pride Grants are more flexible. Neighbors can do their individual projects if they like. But we also prioritize proposals when neighbors must work together for a common purpose - usually improving a local park, playground, vacant lot or streetscape. Projects can also involve improvements to private homes. If so, it is preferred (but not required), that projects be coordinated in some way, adding cohesiveness to the neighborhood. For instance, every house participating does a new landscaping project, or all participating houses install landscape lighting, or every house does a porch improvement. Whatever the project, stronger proposals include a common theme or goal across all participants. This is not a requirement, however. Coordinated projects only have an advantage in that they are more competitive as proposals and help increase the likelihood of funding.
4. Is it true that physical projects must be visible from the street?
Yes. All Pride Grants that involve physical improvements must be exterior (outside) projects and plainly visible. No interior or out-of-public-view projects are eligible.
5. Can we apply for a Pride Grant even if we've been awarded other FBB grants?
Yes. Pride Grants are intended for blocks that have successfully completed at least one Block Challenge grant and are looking to do something to keep their cohesiveness and pride visible.
6. I'm confused about whether my group is supposed to pay for some of the project or not.
It depends. If the project is on city-owned property (park, playground, public space), and approved by the City of Fulton, then no funds from the applicants are required (although funds from the applicants will make the application more competitive). If the application involves improving property that is generally considered "private property" (generally homes and somewhere between the house and the front sidewalk), and the entire cost for the street is less than $300, no funds from applicants are required. If the cost exceeds $300, and the improvements are to private properties, then a minimum of a 1:1 dollar match from property owners are required for every dollar above $300.
7. How can I make our Pride Grant application for a public space improvement competitive?
First, you must successfully complete a Fulton Block Challenge Grant, having shown a history of neighborhood organization, investment and follow-through. Second, and very importantly, arrange a meeting with a FBB representative and your entire group to discuss your application if the request is greater than $1000. The more collaboration among neighbors that is evidenced, the more time and effort neighbors will invest, the more competitive the application. Third, even if matching funds are not required, volunteering to provide matching funds, or some degree of funds, significantly increases the competitiveness of your proposal. Finally, you will need to work with the FBB and get permission from the City of Fulton to improve public space. A competitive application will a) have obtained sufficient participation from neighbors for the project to work, b) have a well laid out and realistic plan, c) have discussed the project with the City with plans to successfully obtain approval.
8. How can I make our Pride Grant application for a Private Property (i.e.; homes) more competitive?
First, you must have successfully completed a Fulton Block Challenge Grant that shows a history of neighborhood organization, investment and follow-through. Second, clustering of houses (i.e. on the same street or nearby) provides a competitive advantage over projects that are scattered. Third, and very importantly, arrange a meeting with an FBB representative and your entire group to discuss your application if the request is greater than $1000. Fourth, although dollar-for-dollar (1:1) matching funds ARE required for improvements to private properties, volunteering to provide a higher ratio of matching funds (i.e.; 2:1.....$2 property owner contribution for every 1$ grant requested) significantly increases the competitiveness of your proposal.
9. Can Pride Grants be done for seasonal decorations (Halloween, Christmas, etc)?
Yes. We also will prioritize grants where there is some thematic consistency for participating households. Purchasing bulk LED candles for every window for every participating house. Bulk purchasing of pumpkins for each house. Wreaths for every door.
10. Does the Pride Grant have to be started this Year?
Yes.
11. Can Pride Grants be done for events/parties/neighborhood activities?
Yes, yes and yes. Block Parties. Historic House Tours. Small local Park Concerts.
12. Does FBB provide funds up front, or do we pay and then receive reimbursements?
If the grants are on public space then the FBB may be able to pay for materials up front. If on private space, then the neighbors pay the costs and are reimbursed following submission of valid receipts. FBB cannot reimburse sales tax.
Examples of Pride Grants for Improving Individual Neighborhood Streets:
Matching Mailboxes
Picket Fences
Curb Gardens (plantings between sidewalk and street)
Pavers or Bricks to Line Sidewalks, Paths or Gardens
Bricks to edge gardens and greenspace
Landscape Lighting
Lamp Posts
New House Numbers
Flags
Flower boxes
Planter Boxes
Hanging Planters
Landscaping
Removing asphalt/concrete on curbs/lawns and restoring Greenspace*
Intersection Beautification (flowers or shrubs in corner spaces)
Side Walk Repair*
Tree Plantings
Flowers and Plants
Hedge and Shrub Planting
Porch Projects (multiple repairs/upgrades to porches in the neighborhood)
Painting Supplies for Neighborhood-Wide Exterior Summer Painting Projects
Seasonal/Holiday Decorations (LED candles for windows in neighborhood houses)
Dumpster Rental for Neighborhood and Yard Clean Ups
Neighborhood Gateway Signage*
MANY MORE that your neighbors can think of yourself to improve your street
Examples of Pride Projects for Events for Neighborhoods
Block Party Supplies (food, decorations, equipment)
Resources to fund event in a local Park (small concerts, musical events, children's play events) *
Resources for Historic House Tours (promotion, branding, advertising, brochures)
MANY MORE that your neighbors can think of for your neighborhood
Example of Pride Grants for Parks, Public Spaces or Lots*
Trees, Plants, Mulch, Soil for Playgrounds
Painting supplies for Playground Equipment or Infrastructure
Landscaping
Planters
Park Benches
Fountains (acquisition or repair)
Signage
Playground Equipment (or repair)
New or repaired Fencing
Upgraded Fencing (from Chain Link to Wood or higher quality)
Flags
Pavers or Bricks to Line Sidewalks
Bricks to edge gardens and greenspace
Holiday Tree for Parks (including electric routing and supply for seasonal lighting)*
Supplies and resources to Board/Repair/Clean Up Abandoned Buildings
MANY MORE that your neighbors can think of for your neighborhood
Examples of Pride Grants for Neighborhood-Wide Identity and Organization
Logo Development for Neighborhoods
Newsletter Printing and other expenses
Website Development and Maintenance
"Signage" and for neighborhood districts (i.e. Welcome to our community Lanigan area); *
MANY MORE that your neighbors can think of for your neighborhood
Neighborhood Pride Grant Application
Click on the links below to download: