City of Renton Neighborhood Grant Program

Purpose of Program Positive communication between residents and the City Foster a sense of community Address citizen concerns Offer a contact point via volunteer liaisons

Goals of Program Build partnerships Improve communication Foster/encourage public involvement Inform neighborhoods Assist residents in identifying needs and assets of their neighborhood

Neighborhood Projects Benefit to the public Physical improvements Build/enhance neighborhood features Not funded by association dues (ongoing maintenance fees) Completed within six months of approval

Grant Cycles Communication Grants (available January 3 – February 6, 2015) Project Grants (available January 9 – March 13, 2015) Mini-grants (pending funding available mid-March 2015) All Mini-grants must be completed by November 13, 2015.

Neighborhood Project Examples Neighborhood entrance signage Landscaping entrances Landscaping traffic islands or portions of right of ways Neighborhood cleanups Painting of public areas Community Gardens

Mini-grants & Communication Grant Examples “Screen on the Green” movies in the park Murals or Mosaics Renton River Days Parade Float Neighborhood events, trainings, meeting space A-frame signs, banners, newsletters

Neighborhood Sign Projects

Neighborhood Projects

Landscaping & Garden Projects

Clean-ups

Urban Park – Before & After

Work Parties

Mini-Grants

Grant Components Project Evaluation Criteria Project Coordinator Responsibilities Developing a Budget Neighborhood Match Contract Liability Completion of Project Payment of Providers Maintenance of Project

Evaluation Criteria Point System Maximum = 5 points Minimum = 1 point

Planning of project Is the planning of the project comprehensive and meet City Standards? (1 - 5 points)

Neighborhood Need No existing improvements (5 points) Existing improvements need some work (3 points) Existing improvements need little or no work (1 point)

Neighborhood Project Support Is there significant support? (5 points) Moderate support? (3 points) Opposition? (1 point)

Project Maintenance Project requires no maintenance (5 points) Some maintenance (3 points) Full maintenance (1 point)

Experience & Participation Experience with a similar project (5 points) Demonstrate active participation and commitment (3 points) No experience or commitment (1 point) Attendance at a Neighborhood Workshop/Event (2 points)

Project Visibility Benefit to the general public (5 points) Benefit to adjacent neighborhoods (3 points) Benefit to select group of residents (1 point)

Project Coordinator Responsibilities Grant Application signed by Board Fill out and submit paperwork Primary project contact Communicate with residents Give oral presentation to Grant Review Team Facilitate neighborhood meetings Coordinate maintenance Recruit volunteers If awarded, attend mandatory Grant Recipient Workshop Financial accountability/documentation of expenditures (original receipts, no copies)

Developing a Budget The cost of doing your project –Research costs early List all materials and services Obtain accurate and realistic cost estimates for all items from different sources

Neighborhood Match City of Renton will match dollar for dollar the following: –Volunteer labor - $22.55 per hour –Donated professional services/skilled labor - ‘reasonable and customary rate’ –Donated material/supplies - market value –Neighborhood fund raising/pledges - cash value

Match Limitations Assistance from City staff or other City funds Professional services –Entirely donated –Entirely funded by grants –Food & gas expenses not applicable –Security camera and tools not eligible Up to $ of volunteer labor match on application process

Contract Contract required –Provided by the City –End of six month period (or funds are returned to the City) Signed by the Project Manager

Liability Submit list of volunteers City covers volunteers working on the project workers compensation Minors are encouraged to participate but not allowed to operate equipment

Payment of Providers Grant funds disbursed by: –Reimbursement paid directly to the Association/organization (Recommended) –City issued checks made out to the Association/ Organization * Forms will be given to grant recipients after approved by Renton City Council

Completion of Project Provide City with: –Brief project summary (Final Report Form) –Photographs, documents created and printed with use of grant money

Maintenance of Project Neighborhoods must assure projects will be maintained Neighborhood responsible for ongoing maintenance

Timeline Submission Deadline - March 13, :00 PM Approximately 45 days