This initiative is designed to help neighborhoods and businesses address community issues, and to support non-profit organizations that provide services to Stayton residents. The grant program is intended to fund items such as landscape improvements, neighborhood clean-up parties, installation of benches, or other improvements that might address a neighborhood or community concern.
This is a competitive grant program that is open to anyone residing or doing business in Stayton. Applications are reviewed by the City Staff and selected grants are awarded by the City Council. Grant amounts are expected to be in the range of $1,000 to $10,000 each.
WHO CAN APPLY
Non-profit tax-exempt organizations, business owners or groups of at least three neighbors may apply for funding for projects that benefit a clearly defined geographic area within Stayton city limits. A group of neighbors must authorize one individual to manage the grant contracts and funds.
FUNDING REQUIREMENTS
Community Improvement Grant money comes from the FY23-24 City budget. It is anticipated that funding decisions will be made on April 15, 2024 and money must be disbursed and spent before June 30, 2024.
PROGRAM AND PROJECT OBJECTIVES
The funds may be used by applicants for programs and projects in the following categories. Grant applications may include components of any or all of the categories. No category is prioritized higher than another for receiving funding.
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Neighborhood Improvement Projects - The funds may be used to improve the shared space within a neighborhood or strengthen neighborhood identity. This may include items such as landscape improvements and maintenance, signage, natural features management, benches, painting, or certain exterior improvements.
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Neighborhood Livability Initiatives - Funds may be used to provide education and outreach opportunities that strengthen the social connections in a neighborhood, increase safety, address a neighborhood challenge or conflict, or serve senior or low-income residents, and programs that provide services to Stayton residents.
PROPOSAL REVIEW CRITERIA
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Extent to which organizational, neighborhood, and livability objectives are addressed.
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The number of people benefiting from the proposal.
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Demonstrated level of support in terms of matching funds and/or in-kind contributions (volunteers or donations).
HOW TO APPLY
The Community Improvement Grant Application is available online via the link below. Completed applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on March 29, 2024.
*If you have additional documentation after submitting an application, please send to citygovernment@staytonoregon.gov.
PAST GRANT PROJECTS
In FY19, the first year of the program, two applications were submitted; one was funded, and one was partially funded. A group of neighbors from the Westown neighborhood submitted an application for improvements to the playground in Westown Park and for sidewalk repairs. Using Neighborhood Improvement Grant funds, the Public Works Department made the playground improvements in Westown Park. A group of neighbors in the Sylvan Springs neighborhood submitted an application for improvement and maintenance of the walking path and open space along Lucas Ditch. Overgrown vegetation was cut back, a bench installed, and solar lights were installed along the path.
In FY20, seven applications were received, and six projects were funded. Neighbors in Westown again received funding for repairs and improvements to the wall along Gardner Ave. The Sylvan Springs neighborhood continued their improvement and maintenance of the walking path, extending the solar lights and doing some repaving. The Stayton Area Food Bank received funds for signage at the new location of the Food Bank, on Wilco Road. Neighbors in the Jefferson Place subdivision received funds for trimming the street trees on E Santiam St. Revitalize Downtown Stayton received funds for the placement of historic plaques in the downtown area. Finally, the Stayton Community Emergency Response Team received funds for equipment and supplies.
For additional information on the program, contact Christian Smithrud at csmithrud@staytonoregon.gov or (503) 769-3425.
Submit Grant Application