SunTrust has been a community partner of the Mayor's Neighborhood Matching Grants program since its inception in 1995.

Mayor’s Neighborhood Matching Grants

Eligibility

Mayor's Neighborhood Matching Grants (MNMG) are available to City of Orlando neighborhood, homeowner, condominium and resident associations (henceforth neighborhood organizations) whose primary purpose is neighborhood development. In order to qualify, projects must address needs or improve the quality of life in one of three categories: physical improvements, public safety or educational or cultural initiatives.

Neighborhood organizations are encouraged to partner with local businesses, faith-based institutions, social service agencies and other community resources in the planning and implementation of projects.

Both mandatory and voluntary neighborhood organizations are eligible to apply. Mandatory neighborhood organizations require all members by deed to pay dues. Voluntary neighborhood organizations are supported by donations from residents and businesses in the area, fundraising projects, or other sources of funding and may be open to all residents, whether they are the property owners or tenants.

Please note: The neighborhood organization is considered the lead applicant with primary responsibility for project planning, implementation, reporting and grant closeout.

Eligible Project Guidelines
Eligible projects must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• provide a public benefit to the neighborhood
• have an accountable neighborhood resident serve as the project leader
• directly involve neighborhood residents in all phases
• have goals which can be accomplished in 11 months or less
• take place within the boundaries of the neighborhood, except when donated space is located outside the neighborhood

Eligible Neighborhood Organization Guidelines
Eligible neighborhood organizations must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• have no active projects in any Mayor’s Matching Grant program
• operate within the City of Orlando limits – to determine if the neighborhood association is within City limits, visit www.cityoforlando.net/gis/locator.asp
• be registered with the City of Orlando’s Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs
• have a majority of the organization's members living in or operating businesses in the neighborhood
• not discriminate and actively seek membership from neighborhood residents
• represent its neighborhood and have democratically elected officers
• have a Tax Identification Number (TIN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• have been organized for at least one year before applying for a grant
• match dollar for dollar of the City's contribution with volunteer time, in-kind donations of goods and services and/or financial contributions (refer to Grant Match guidelines)

Board and Neighborhood Approval
Each neighborhood organization must have its voting members vote on and approve the grant application and community match contribution before submission.

Meeting minutes must be notarized and include a general membership motion and vote prior to 5:00 p.m., August 29, 2008 (3 weeks before the grant deadline) and include:

• the name of the grant project
• motion, vote and approval to pursue and submit the grant application and community match contribution to the City
• approval and acknowledgement of common property usage (if applying for a physical improvement project)
• the nomination and approval of two neighborhood organization members that will provide their signatures for the MNMG checking account (specifically the neighborhood project leader and the association president or treasurer)
• If constructing a neighborhood identification sign(s), the neighborhood association must vote and approve the proposed design and location(s) of the neighborhood identification sign(s).
• A copy of the notarized meeting minutes must be submitted with the grant application

Registering Your Neighborhood Organization

All neighborhood organizations must be registered with the City of Orlando Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs in order to be eligible to participate in this grant program. Please call the City of Orlando Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs at (407) 246-2169 to register or update your neighborhood organization’s information.

Managing Grant Funds: The MNMG Grant Checking Account

Mayor’s Neighborhood Matching Grant recipients will receive a free checking account at SunTrust to pay for grant expenditures. Checks from these accounts require two signatures: one signature from a check signer from the neighborhood organization and one signature from a check signer from the City of Orlando Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs. Supporting documentation in the form of bids, estimates, invoices, etc., must be provided before purchases can be approved.

Limitations on the Use of Grant Funds

Grant funds are public dollars that must be prudently expended. Although not exhaustive, the following is a list of disallowed uses of Mayor’s Matching Grant funding:

• supplanting a neighborhood organization’s operating budget (funds are awarded by the City only for approved and designated project purposes)
• funding or supplanting other City of Orlando services or programs
• appreciation gifts, plaques or certificates for City staff or elected officials
• equipment purchases (unless part of a neighborhood outreach program and approved by the Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs)
• projects that advocate or impose religious beliefs or restrict participation on the basis of religion
• project activities and events that are held in places of worship (i.e. sanctuaries, synagogues, mosques, temples, etc.). Auxiliary buildings such as classrooms, fellowship halls, gymnasiums or meeting rooms may be used.
• expenses without receipts
• food expenses of more than $250 (unless it is an essential part of a neighborhood outreach program and approved by the Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs prior to spending)
• reimbursement for purchases
   

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