Surprise residents with ideas for enhancing their neighborhoods now have a chance to turn those concepts into reality, thanks to the Neighborhood Grant Program backed by the Surprise City Council. The initiative offers small grants aimed to catalyze community events, functions, or improvements for the fiscal year 2025. A designated fund of $10,000 is poised to support these communal advancements, according to a release on the City's official website.
To successfully vie for a grant, projects need to satisfy several criteria, as outlined by the City. Highlighting the program's emphasis on widespread benefit, applications need to demonstrate a public advantage and a positive impact, specifically in Surprise neighborhoods. Also noteworthy, the project completion deadline is set for June 2025, empowering residents to quickly yet effectively mobilize and beautify their surroundings. Involvement of the local community in the project's lifecycle—from identification and planning to execution—is fundamental to secure funding.
It's pertinent to acknowledge that 501(c)3 nonprofits will not be eligible, according to the program guidelines. Furthermore, community support is crucial; an application must bear the signatures of at least five neighborhood dwellers. If the project falls within an area governed by an HOA, endorsement from the association is a prerequisite. Interested groups should deliver completed applications to Jodi Tas at City Hall by the October 11, 5 p.m. deadline.
For those looking to gain further insight or require assistance with the application process, the City is hosting a pre-application meeting on August 27, at 4 p.m. This session will take place at the Surprise City Hall, Council Overflow Room, and promises to be a conduit for necessary information to successfully navigate the grant application process. Full details on the grant, including the application itself, are available on the City's website, and queries can be directed to Jodi Tas via email at [email protected] or by phone at 623.222.1330.
