Calling all St. Paul visionaries! The city's Neighborhood STAR and Cultural STAR grant programs are officially seeking applicants starting now, as reported by a bulletin released on April 5th. Those who've got their eyes on a capital project with local roots or cultural endeavors with the power to rev up the city's vibrancy and economy now's your time to shine.
With a deadline looming on May 15 at 4 p.m., interested parties are encouraged to hop online and throw their hat in the ring. Eligibility for the Neighborhood STAR requires applicants to be located in Saint Paul or conducting business there, focusing on capital improvements that promise a lifespan of at least seven years and bolster Saint Paul neighborhoods’ prosperity and cultural diversity. Information on eligibility, application requirements, and the selection process has been made available by the city in English, Spanish, Hmong/Hmoob, Somali, and Karen.
Those who mean business but need guidance can join a virtual pre-proposal workshop scheduled for Wednesday, April 10 from 10-11:30 a.m., aimed at providing crucial program information to potential applicants. For those who'd prefer a more one-on-one approach, the Neighborhood STAR staff are reachable at [email protected] for all inquiries.
The Cultural STAR doesn't fall far behind, with its aim squarely on pumping life into the arts and culture pulse of Saint Paul and ensuring downtown remains a bustling cultural hub. Grants are up for grabs for special projects, organizational development, or capital projects, with eligibility windows sketched out between August 1, 2024, and July 31, 2026, depending on the project type. A virtual information session will plant the seeds of application success on Thursday, April 11 from 2 – 3:30 p.m., and additional help is a mere email away at [email protected].
For those ready to take the plunge, the applications can be found on the City of Saint Paul's official announcement. The time to lay the groundwork for a more vibrant, culturally rich future in Saint Paul is now; with STAR programs shining the way, all it takes is the first step.
