Nonprofits in Las Vegas have been given the green light to apply for two significant grant programs as the city announced the opening of the application process yesterday. The grants in question – Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) – aim to tackle homelessness and assist those with AIDS, respectively, according to a bulletin released by the City of Las Vegas.
The CDBG program is looking for organizations prepared to create economic opportunities and improve community safety among other services. The city's call-out strictly states that applicants "must attend a technical assistance workshop in order to apply." Those interested should get quickly to mark their calendars for Oct. 28, as that's when the workshops will be held at Las Vegas City Hall. This directive comes directly from the official city bulletin.
For nonprofits targeting the CDBG funding, a minimum ask of $65,000 is the floor for a two-year award. Qualified applicants will be assessed on their organizational structure and capacity to carry out the proposed work, a criterion detailed in the city's RFP and application manual, both available online. Agencies must be certified as a 501c (3) or (4) organization and have a city business license where services will be conducted, among other eligibility requirements. The applications will be reviewed by city staff and successive recommendations by the Community Development Recommending Board, before moving to the City Council for a final decision.
The HOPWA program, meanwhile, places its focus on services and housing for individuals affected by HIV/AIDS within the Paradise Eligible Metropolitan Statistical Area, including Las Vegas and various incorporated areas of Clark County. The program's mandatory workshops will also be held on Oct. 28, with the city urging potential applicants to reserve promptly to avoid finding themselves unable to attend. Vanessa Velazquez is the contact point for registrations, as mentioned in the city's public notice.
Those intending to seek HOPWA funds must cater to the HIV/AIDS demographic and provide supportive services or direct housing. Similar to the CDBG program requirements, HOPWA also mandates a one-year minimum operation prior to application and compliance with the Nevada Secretary of State Office. Upon submission, all applications will be subject to a thorough review. Nov. 13 is the deadline for both grant applications, giving nonprofits exactly one month from today to submit their proposals. For additional questions, Timothy Glisson is the contact for CDBG queries, and Gina Candelario-Batton for HOPWA-related matters, as indicated in the city's announcement.
