FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 1, 2018

MEDIA CONTACTS

Tanisha Jumper, Media and Communications, tanisha.jumper@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-5019
Maria Lee, Media and Communications, maria.lee@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-2054

Applications for Neighborhood Innovative Grant Program Funds Due January 15 

-- Informational Workshops Nov. 14 and Dec. 3--

Residents and community groups in Tacoma’s eight Neighborhood Council districts can apply now through January 15 for grant funding supporting community engagement or neighborhood improvement projects through the City of Tacoma’s 2019 Neighborhood Innovative Grant Program. The City accepts applications from formal and informal community groups that are at least two or more people.

“This program is an opportunity for people who have ideas and projects to address blight, make public spaces more accessible or revitalize their neighborhood in a creative and inclusive way to receive funding to make their project a reality,” said Tom Ebenhoh, Chair of the New Tacoma Neighborhood Council. “I have seen projects receive funding through this program that has reactivated community parks, cleaned up blighted areas and benefit the neighborhood. It really is about empowering residents to impact their communities at the most basic levels.”

Most grants requested and approved are in the range of $500 to $8,000. Each Neighborhood Council will select the projects to be funded within their respective Neighborhood Council district, limited to available funds in each Neighborhood Council.

“If you have an innovative idea to engage with your community and improve your neighborhood, we invite you to apply for a small grant to make it happen,” said Program Manager Shari Hart. “Over the years, we have funded hundreds of impactful projects through this program.”

More information is available at cityoftacoma.org/neighborhoodcouncils or by attending an informational workshop Nov. 14, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., at the Tacoma Police Department Sector 4 Substation (400 E. 56th St.). or Dec. 3, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m., at the Tacoma Police Department Sector 1 Substation (1524 Martin Luther King Jr Way) or RSVP’s to each workshop are appreciated and can be directed to shari.hart@cityoftacoma.org. Questions about the program can be directed to Shari Hart at shari.hart@cityoftacoma.org or (253) 591-5208.

About the Neighborhood Council Program

 

In 1992, the City Council established Tacoma's eight Neighborhood Councils to advise Council Members on issues of local importance and to seek consensus among residents on specific plans of action. The Neighborhood Councils also undertake a wide range of neighborhood improvements in collaboration with staff from the City of Tacoma and other agencies. 

Each Neighborhood Council serves as an independent, non-profit community organization to promote community-based efforts for neighborhood improvement. 

Any resident, business owner, employee, property owner or member of an existing neighborhood group within a Neighborhood Council district can join a Neighborhood Council. Tacoma’s eight Neighborhood Council districts are Central Tacoma, the Eastside, New Tacoma, the North End, Northeast Tacoma, South Tacoma, the South End, and the West End.