Writing a Grant Scholars 227 Spring 2011

West Side Neighborhood Project (WSNP) Non-profit organization Grassroots organization(run by the community) Previously associated with Binghamton University Four Objectives ◦ Promote student housing ◦ Promote landlord accountability ◦ Increasing home ownership ◦ Building Healthy Neighborhoods

The New York Main Street Grant Administered by the Office of Community Renewal The funds come from the New York State Housing Trust Fund Corporation (HTFC) Provides funds for streetscape, target areas, or anchor sites. Maximum of $500,000

Grant Process Addressing a problem Providing information of why a grant is needed to fix this problem Multiple sections and sub-sections ◦ Proposal ◦ Problem Statement ◦ Objectives ◦ Determine Administrator (overseer) ◦ Plan of Operation ◦ Budget ◦ Long-term plans ◦ Progress tracking

Our Grant Target area and streetscape Asking for $210,000 Problem: Target area appears rundown and not many flourishing businesses Objectives: improve aesthetics Administrator: Broome County Landlord Association Track progress through taxes and crime statistics

Target Area Focused on an area of 3 blocks on Main Street on the West Side of Binghamton. Home to multiple empty or abandoned buildings as well as buildings in need of façade improvements. The West Side is home to many off-campus Binghamton University students. Goal is to improve this area for the good of the community as well as the students that live there.

Grant Resources Dan McCormack Center for Civic Engagement – Allison Alden Alycia Harris and other WSNP members Binghamton City Council Broome County Landlord Association GIS(Geographic Information System) 2010 Census Information 2009 NY Main Street Grant example

Difficulties Encountered Understanding grant writing process Extrapolating information from resources Coordinating with others Determining our main goal Leadership Deadlines/Timeframe Taking initiative Competition from other applicants

Learning Experiences Grant writing process Time management Taking initiative Contacting others Working in a group setting Filtering information for what is needed Making connections between sources Learning to adapt along the way to changes or challenges Organization

Final Impact Compiled a majority of the necessary information Helped WSNP earn recognition throughout Binghamton The grant will be submitted next year by WSNP. “WSNP now has a living document that can be used for future NYS Main Street Grants, as well as other funding opportunities for the betterment of the West Side of Binghamton.” – Alycia Harris (Cofounder of WSNP)

Thank You!