City Retools Neighborhood Grant Program

Vibrant neighborhoods are a boon for residents and businesses, and the foundation of a community’s quality of life. St. Augustine city commissioners recently took a step to improve the city’s Neighborhood Grant Program adopted in April to enhance the effort, unanimously approving staff recommended changes.

Jaime Perkins, manager of the city’s Neighborhood Services and Community Redevelopment Agency, briefed commissioners on the status of the program and proposed some changes to make it more effective.

“We accepted seven applications, and we actually funded five neighborhood grants,” she said, adding that the program is designed to have four funding cycles every year.

The projects receiving funding included a beautification effort by the Greater Fullerwood Neighborhood Association, a community event sponsored by Qunoire Inc., a project by the Ravenswood Neighborhood Association, a community event from the Lincolnville Historic Preservation and Restoration Society, and a beautification project by the Hannah’s Walk Homeowner’s Association.

“In total, we funded $10,243 and that is for five grant applications,” Perkins said. “We had a total of $4,757 remaining.” The program is budgeted for $15,000 annually and under the guidelines establishing the grants, any unspent funds are to be returned to the city’s general fund.

Perkins said under the current system, the minimum grant award is $1,000 and suggested that be removed while maintaining the maximum award possible at $3,000. She also said there is language in the original program that talks about not funding projects that have already been completed, but it is confusing.

“I would like to modify (that) to specify we won’t fund projects that are complete,” she said. “Some of the applicants seemed to be confused about that.”

City Commissioner Barbara Blonder asked if applicants do not meet the minimum score for approval if city staff provides any assistance.

Perkins said staff can give them “pointers” and explain why their grant application did not score high enough.

“That encourages applicants to submit a more competitive application, just to ensure the program has longevity,” she said.

Other recommended changes to the program included limiting funds to non-profit organizations and rolling over unused funds into the next fiscal year budget of the grant program rather than returning them to the general fund.

Mayor Nancy Sikes-Kline said she is pleased the program is evolving and agrees with the suggested changes.

“I do think that we should provide technical assistance for the grants but I don’t think we should be providing them to for-profit organizations,” she said.

Blonder said she also agreed with the recommended changes.

“I think they make a lot of sense,” she said.

Commissioner Cynthia Garris said the program is a positive for the city.

“I think you and your team are making the right decisions on who you are helping,” she said. “As far as our city, when we empower people to make their neighborhoods more beautiful, they have pride.”