The City has launched its 2025 Community Relations Innovation Small Grant Program, a funding opportunity for local organizations focused on fostering inclusion and diversity in Upper Arlington (UA) and the wider Central Ohio region. Interested applicants have until December 13 to submit their proposals for projects that enhance the city's community relations.
The grants, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, are open to diverse initiatives, whether fresh on the scene or established events looking for an upgrade. These projects should tackle one or multiple key objectives - promoting diversity awareness, multiplying positive engagements with the UA community, and cultivating a welcoming atmosphere for all, emphasizing those typically left on the fringes or without established connections to UA. The City of Upper Arlington's official website details the spirit behind these grants.
Previous beneficiaries of the grant paint a vivid picture of its potential impact. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church's Culture & Artisans Fair, the porch gatherings orchestrated by Equal UA, and the UA Civic Association's Neighbors Night Out are a few such spirited community platforms. These events and the UA Historical Society's series, 'History Speaks,' have previously tapped into this resource to bring diverse voices and stories to the forefront in Upper Arlington.
Submissions will be vetted after the December cutoff, and successful applicants will be notified of their selection during the Community Relations Committee Meeting scheduled on January 23, 2025. The online nomination form and additional details about the grant program can be found on the City of Upper Arlington's website for those planning to apply.
