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

Mayor’s Neighborhood Matching Grants

Application Workshops

Application workshops will be offered for neighborhood organizations wishing to apply for a Mayor’s Neighborhood Matching grant. Attendance at an application workshop is required. A minimum of two people who reside within the boundaries of the neighborhood organization must attend. Workshops will review the guidelines, instructions, and application. There is no limit to the number of workshops attended by representatives of a neighborhood organization. Each workshop will cover the same information. Please call the City of Orlando Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs at 407-246-2169 to reserve a seat at one of the workshops listed below:

DOVER SHORES COMMUNITY CENTER
Tuesday, June 24, 2008  6 – 8 p.m.

ROSEMONT COMMUNITY CENTER
Tuesday, July 8  6 – 8 p.m.

CALLAHAN NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER
Saturday, July 26, 2008  9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

LAKE NONA YMCA FAMILY CENTER
Tuesday, July 29, 2008  6 – 8 p.m.

ORLANDO CITY HALL
Thursday, August 7, 2008  11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

DR. JAMES R. SMITH NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER
Tuesday, August 12,  6 – 8 p.m.

ORLANDO CITY HALL
Wednesday, August 20, 2008  11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

COLONIALTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER
Tuesday, August 26, 2008  6 – 8 p.m.

Courtesy Review

Courtesy application reviews conducted by the Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs staff are offered from the time the applications are available until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 2, 2008. Courtesy reviews allow Neighborhood and Community Affairs staff to review the application and make recommendations regarding missing information, attachments, or resolve clarity issues in the grant application.

Please send the complete application to City of Orlando, Mayor’s Matching Grant Program, Office of the Neighborhood & Community Affairs, P.O. Box 4990, Orlando, FL 32802-4990. Please indicate that you are requesting a Courtesy Review in a cover letter with the application. If the application has been completed on-line, a written request for the Courtesy Review must be submitted to the Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs.

Application Deadline

Please submit the completed MNMG application with all applicable attachments (see Application Checklist) by 5:00 p.m., on Friday, September 19, 2008 to the City of Orlando, Mayor’s Matching Grant Program, Office of the Neighborhood & Community Affairs, P.O. Box 4990, Orlando, FL 32802-4990.

Please note: incomplete applications will not be considered and will be returned to the neighborhood organization.

Grant Notification & Awards Process

The entire grant review and approval process takes approximately 45 days. City staff from the Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs review each application to determine eligibility, completeness and accuracy of each application. A selection committee, comprised of City staff, previous project leaders and business partners, then reviews the grant applications utilizing the selection criteria and recommends which projects should be funded. These selection committee recommendations are forwarded to the Mayor for review. The Mayor and City Council then vote to approve the recommendations, thereby approving the grant funds at a City Council meeting.

Before going to City Council, the Office of the Neighborhood & Community Affairs will notify each grant applicant of the selection committee’s decision in writing, during the month of December, specifying the terms for grant implementation. The President of each selected neighborhood organization will then receive a grant agreement from the City, which must be signed, notarized and returned to the Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs so that the grant agreements can be executed by the City Council.

Purpose

The Mayor's Neighborhood Matching Grants (MNMG) program was established in 1994 to provide funding for neighborhood improvements that address neighborhood needs and improve the quality of life in City of Orlando neighborhoods. Grant funds are available annually, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 and are matched dollar for dollar by the applying neighborhood organization using a combination of cash, in-kind contributions and volunteer labor.

Grant funds can only be used for projects that are accessible, benefit the entire neighborhood, and allow all residents the opportunity to participate, unless otherwise determined ineligible.

The grant application is available at the Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs website at: www.cityoforlando.net/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

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

Project Planning and Budgeting

It is essential that neighborhood organizations properly plan and budget. The Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs and the MNMG selection committee will look for a clear, justifiable relationship between the proposed project plan and the requested budget. The purposes for both of these tools are defined as follows:

The purpose of a project plan is to identify the tasks and resources necessary to successfully complete a Mayor’s Neighborhood Matching Grant project. Once completed, the Project Plan serves both as a tool to help manage the project, and a tool for the Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs to monitor the progress of the project.

The purpose of a budget is to estimate the cost of a project or program. It should accurately depict revenues, expenses, the neighborhood organization’s match, and sufficiently justify the amount of grant funds being requested. At least three written estimates from established vendors must be submitted with the grant application for any expenses of $250 or more.

If you need further assistance, please attend one or more application workshops, or contact the City of Orlando Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs at 407-246-2169.
 

Readiness Guidelines

The City of Orlando encourages all City of Orlando registered neighborhood organizations to apply for grant funding. However, careful consideration of the neighborhood organization’s eligibility and capacity to successfully complete the organization’s proposed project within eleven months should be examined before applying for a grant.

Please consider the following requirements before applying. If you feel your neighborhood organization is not prepared to apply this year, use this information to begin planning for the next grant year, which will begin in Spring 2009.

• identify an accountable neighborhood organization member to serve as the project leader to administer the grant, as well as a project team member who will pledge to serve as an interim project leader, should the need arise

• designate two neighborhood organization members who will be a part of the project team to attend an application workshop

• form a project team consisting of a minimum of seven neighborhood volunteers

• participate in the MNMG project team orientation conducted by the Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs following the grant award

• involve neighborhood residents directly in all phases of the project

• be able to satisfactorily maintain and balance a checking account

• report all sources and amounts of funds used for the proposed project, and explain how the funds will be used

• provide documentation (receipts, etc.) for all grant-related funds expended during the project and submit with quarterly reports

• be able to provide three cost estimates for expenses of $250 or more from established vendors

• submit timely quarterly reports on the status of the project throughout the grant year

• track and submit volunteer hours each quarter

• keep copies of reports for three years
   

Project Development Guidelines

STEP ONE:

Select a community building activity that positively impacts the community and neighborhood through partnerships and volunteerism.

Choose an activity that will generate as much community support as possible and that addresses a known problem, concern or opportunity for making positive change.

STEP TWO:

Determine Resources Needed

Determine all the resources that will be required, such as professional services, equipment, materials, supplies, volunteers and services. Get at least three estimates to ensure the price is fair for the services rendered. Consider the quality and scope of the project.

STEP THREE:

Create a Project Plan

The purpose of a Project Plan is to help you map out the tasks and resources necessary to successfully complete the Mayor’s Neighborhood Matching Grant project in a timely manner. List the main tasks needed to implement and manage the project. Then put the tasks in the order they should occur and schedule them according to how long you think they will reasonably take to accomplish. Allow adequate time to publicize community participation events. Once completed, the Project Plan will serve as a guide for the project and a tool for monitoring the progress of the project.

STEP FOUR:

Develop a Project Budget

After you list the needed resources, begin to estimate costs in order to do a budget. Get cost estimates for each budget item from more than one reliable source. Keep careful notes of all conversations with vendors or contractors that involve estimates.

STEP FIVE:

Determine the Match

Identify all possible match resources (cash, volunteer labor and/or in-kind goods or services) and follow the Mayor’s Matching Grant guidelines for matching funds requested from the City of Orlando.

Grant Match

To qualify for the Mayor's Neighborhood Matching Grants program, the value of the neighborhood association's contribution must equal the total amount being requested from the City of Orlando. The grant match is generated by a combination of cash, volunteer labor and/or in-kind goods or services.

Limitations on Match

In-kind or cash donations from City of Orlando services, staff, or elected officials cannot be counted as match. In addition, professional services and labor must be furnished by established service providers, skilled laborers and/or businesses in order to be counted as match.

Project Team

The Project Team must have a Project Leader, an Alternate Project Leader, Report Coordinator, Partner/Volunteer Coordinator, Historian and two additional team members for a total of seven volunteers. All Project Team members are required to attend the MNMG orientation session conducted by the Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs, so it is important to ensure that project team members are committed to the success of the project. Since volunteer hours from the neighborhood organization are mandatory for the matching purposes of this grant and are valued at $18.00 per hour, the Volunteer Hours Pledge Form is required to document volunteer time commitments, and must be submitted with the application. In addition, project team members must reside in the neighborhood in which the project occurs.

Match Component	Definition	Limit
Cash	Cash contributions or donations, proceeds from neighborhood fundraisers, etc.	Unlimited.
Volunteer Labor	Volunteer labor from volunteers who reside in the defined boundaries of the applying neighborhood, valued at $18.00 per hour.	A minimum of 25% and a maximum of 50% of the grant award is required.
In-kind Goods and Services	Supplies, equipment, space or professional services valued at “fair market value” and furnished by legitimate service providers, skilled laborers and/or businesses.	Unlimited.

Project Team Roles

Project Leader: serves as the chairman of the team, is the primary contact with Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs and cannot serve in other positions on the project team. The Project Leader is responsible for meeting all terms of the MNMG agreement, including submitting quarterly project reports and a final report to the Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs.

Alternate Project Leader: an active project team member who is willing and capable of taking over Project Leader responsibilities, in the event that the current Project Leader is not able to fulfill their role and responsibilities.

Report Coordinator: compiles information, completes and submits quarterly and final reports to the Project Leader for signature.

Partner/Volunteer Coordinator: invites partners to project activities, keeps track of partner cash contributions and in-kind services for quarterly reports, sends the completed project plan and timeline to the partners, and records project volunteer hours for quarterly reports.

Historian: responsible for keeping photographs and/or video documenting the MNMG project from beginning to end.

It is important to match the skills, expertise, and interests of each project team member’s role with the appropriate individual. Therefore, it is valuable for the Project Leader to solicit a diverse group of individuals who can contribute to the success of the project. There can be no more than two family members on the project team at any time, nor can they occupy the top levels of project leadership at the same time (i.e. project leader and alternate project leader). Project team members may be changed or replaced at any time during project implementation.

Project Guidelines

Project guidelines for physical improvement, public safety and educational or cultural projects are included in the following three sections. Eligible projects must fit in one of these three categories to be considered. If you are unsure if the project fits within these categories, or need assistance, please attend one of the application workshops, or call the Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs staff at 407-246-2169.

The purpose of the MNMG program is to provide the neighborhood organization with resources to implement neighborhood enhancement projects the neighborhood is not normally able to fund. Therefore, MNMG funds cannot be used to supplant the neighborhood organization's operating budget. Any equipment purchased through the MNMG program must be stored in a public location and be accessible to members of the neighborhood organization through the life of the equipment. Upon completion of the project, the neighborhood organization must publicize the times of availability, location and individuals (i.e. neighborhood organization President or Board Members) who can access the equipment for continued use by the residents of the neighborhood.

Physical Improvement
Application Guidelines

Physical improvement projects must be conducted in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws, including those that govern mandatory associations. A building permit, a site plan, and drawings by a registered architect or engineer, licensed in the State of Florida, are required for all building projects involving any man-made structure being built or installed, whether on common property owned by a neighborhood organization or in the City Right-of-Way. Applicant must provide two photos of the current conditions of the project site.

Physical improvement projects may only be installed or constructed on public property, such as in the City’s Right-of-Way, or on common property owned by a neighborhood organization, such as a lakefront common area. Public funds cannot be expended on private property. In addition, grant funding cannot be used to reimburse expenses from projects previously completed by a neighborhood organization, projects started prior to January 1, 2009, or supplies purchased before the execution of the grant award.

Property Owner Permission

If a grant is awarded to a neighborhood organization for a project to be built on public property, the neighborhood organization must receive the written permission of the appropriate governmental jurisdiction that owns it, i.e. Florida Department of Transportation, City of Orlando Transportation Engineering, City of Orlando Families, Parks and Recreation Department, etc. Similarly, if the neighborhood organization’s project involves common area property, the neighborhood organization’s board must approve the project and give permission to pursue the Mayor’s Neighborhood Matching Grant at a regular meeting by August 29, 2008. Notarized minutes from this meeting must reflect acknowledgement and approval of common property usage.

Maintaining Physical Improvement Projects

The neighborhood organization is fully responsible for the maintenance of any physical improvement funded by this grant and is required to provide a long-term plan describing how the association will fund and maintain the physical improvement. If the neighborhood organization is a mandatory association, the City of Orlando considers repair and maintenance of existing facilities or amenities a fiscal responsibility of the mandatory association. Therefore, grant applications by mandatory associations for physical improvements to existing neighborhood facilities or amenities are limited to expanding existing or adding new facilities and amenities owned by the association.

Estimating Physical Improvement Costs

Three written estimates must be submitted from established vendors for any expenses of $250 or more as documentation for the proposed budget. These must be submitted with the grant application.

Obtaining Permits

A building permit application, site plan and signed and sealed drawings by an architect or engineer licensed in the State of Florida are required to obtain a permit for all building projects involving any man-made structure being built or installed, whether on common property owned by the neighborhood organization or in the City Right-of-Way. Examples of structures include: neighborhood signs, fences, walls, fountains, gazebos, etc. In addition, all building projects require that building permits be pulled by a State Licensed Contractor, per Florida State Statute. The licensed contractor can be a general, building or any other trade contractor, as appropriate to the project.

The grant recipient is responsible for paying the licensed contractor to pull the permit. However, the Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs will absorb the costs of the City building permit fee for grant recipients with physical improvement projects. All other fees and permits are the responsibility of the neighborhood organization, including the cost of the signed and sealed plans. These fees must be estimated and included in the project’s budget.

The permitting process will take approximately four weeks once applicant has submitted all appropriate documents and information. The Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs requires the project team to fully investigate property ownership and obtain permissions before the grant is awarded. This will minimize delays during the permitting process.

Please note: the Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs will issue a permit fee letter after the grant is awarded, which explains how the Office of Permitting Services charges the Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs for the building permit fee. Permitting fees incurred before the execution of the grant award will not be reimbursed by the City of Orlando.

Site Plan Requirements

A site plan is required for both the technical review of the proposed physical improvement project and after the grant is awarded, to pull the required permits. A preliminary site plan must be submitted with the grant application that provides detailed information about the physical improvement as indicated in the application instructions. Once the grant is awarded, any site plans that involve building or installing a structure must be signed and sealed by a registered architect or engineer licensed in the State of Florida.

Right-of-Way Encroachment and Removal Agreement

If a physical improvement is constructed on City Right-of-Way (ROW) the association must complete the necessary paperwork to secure a Right-of-Way Encroachment and Removal Agreement with the City once the grant is awarded. The Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs will facilitate this process between the neighborhood association and the City’s Office of Permitting Services and will cover the cost of recording the fee with the Orange County Comptroller.

Sign Guidelines & Policy

Sign guidelines will be provided at the Application Workshop, are available from the City of Orlando’s Office of Permitting Services, or online at www.cityoforlando.net/permits. In addition, neighborhood organizations must also adhere to the City’s Neighborhood Identification Sign Policy noted below:

Neighborhood associations within the City of Orlando who are registered with the City of Orlando Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs are eligible to apply for building permits to construct neighborhood identification sign(s).

The neighborhood association must demonstrate neighborhood approval of the proposed design and location(s) of neighborhood identification sign(s) by holding a neighborhood meeting before August 29, 2008 wherein a vote is taken to approve the sign(s). The association must mail or hand deliver written notice two weeks prior to this neighborhood meeting to all households within the affected neighborhood's boundaries. The notice must include mention of the vote on sign design and location(s). The City can provide a list of households within the affected neighborhood, if needed. At least 51 percent of those attending the neighborhood meeting must approve the proposed design and location of the sign(s), one vote per household. A notarized copy of both the meeting notice and minutes from this neighborhood meeting wherein the vote was taken must accompany the association's application for a building permit to construct the sign(s). The notarized copies of the meeting notice and minutes from the neighborhood meeting must also be attached to the application.

All neighborhood identification signs must include the neighborhood's name as stated on the City of Orlando Neighborhood Boundaries Map, except in designated historic districts, which instead may include the name of the district as stated in the ordinance that creates the district.

The design and proposed locations of neighborhood identification signs are subject to technical review and approval by the City before a permit can be issued. The neighborhood association will be notified in writing when the permit is approved or denied. A copy of approved building permits will be forwarded to the Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs.

Due to traffic sight limitations, signs being mounted on poles or posts and installed in the City’s Right-of Way must have a minimum of a seven foot clearance from the ground to the bottom of a sign mounted on the pole or post.

Eligible vs. Non-Eligible Physical Improvement Projects and Expenses

The following table lists examples of both eligible and non-eligible physical improvement projects. This table is not exhaustive and is provided for informational purposes.
Eligibility means that grant funds can be spent on these items or areas. The Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs reserves the right to amend project eligibility criteria at any time. Eligible projects are subject to approval by the Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs.

Eligible Projects/Expenses	Non-Eligible Projects/Expenses
Painting of fences and/or walls	Sidewalk Construction
Entrance feature not classified as a perimeter wall	Tree-planting (volunteer tree-planting projects are handled through the City’s Green Up Orlando program).
Common area or recreational improvements	Non-irrigated entranceway beautification projects
Ground lighting	Non-irrigated landscaping or beautification projects
Irrigated entranceway landscaping or beautification projects	Projects previously funded by the Mayor’s Matching Grant program that are less than 8 years old
Picnic tables, benches or pavilions	Repairs or maintenance of existing structures or facilities
Playground equipment	Projects that are already underway or completed
Common area lighting (subject to approval)	Projects that have already been paid, or are being paid for with City of Orlando funds
Neighborhood identification or entranceway signs and improvements	Pressure washing
Neighborhood signs in City of Orlando Right-of-Way	Speed bumps/traffic calming devices (contact your Commissioner for assistance)
Minor park improvements	Street lights
Projects previously funded by the Mayor’s Matching Grant program that have been damaged or destroyed by an Act of God	Aeration, hydrilla treatments, lake restocking
Projects previously funded by the Mayor’s Matching Grant program that are at least 8 years old	Lake clean-up and improvement (Contact the City’s Streets & Stormwater Division at 407-246-2125, ext. 17)
Shoreline re-vegetation & environmental swales	Expenditures not approved in project budget

Public Safety Application Guidelines

Any equipment purchased through the MNMG program must be stored in a public location. If the equipment has been purchased for disaster preparedness or for the Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.), a plan for how members of the neighborhood organization may access the equipment must be submitted with the grant application. Upon completion of the project, the neighborhood organization must publicize the times of availability, location and individuals (i.e. neighborhood organization President or Board Members) who can access the equipment for continued use by the residents of the neighborhood.

All crime prevention and security projects must be reviewed by the City’s Citizens for Neighborhood Watch (CNW) Coordinator and undergo an OPD Security Survey prior to submitting a grant application. A letter from CNW stating that they have reviewed and support the crime prevention project must be attached to the application. Please call OPD at 407-246-2369 to reach the CNW Coordinator.

Security Surveys

The Orlando Police Department conducts Security Surveys to identify security weaknesses, make recommendations and educate residents about changes they can make to physical features of property and to their own behavior to help prevent crime. The Security Survey is available free of charge to neighborhood organizations, residences or businesses in the City of Orlando. To schedule a Security Survey, please call 407-246-2461.

Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.) Training Guidelines

To use MNMG funds to implement C.E.R.T. and prepare a neighborhood emergency response plan, neighborhood organizations must include a letter of agreement from both the Orlando Fire Department and the Office of Emergency Management with their grant applications.

All C.E.R.T. programs funded by the MNMG must also work with the City’s Office of Emergency Management to prepare a neighborhood emergency response plan. This plan is created after the C.E.R.T. training is completed. Creating the neighborhood emergency response plan will involve at least three training sessions with the Office of Emergency Management. The C.E.R.T. training with Orlando Fire Department and the three training sessions with the Office of Emergency Management are offered at no cost to the neighborhood organization.

Please contact the Orlando Fire Department’s Public Relations section at 407-246-3128 and the Office of Emergency Management at 321-235-5438 to obtain these Letters of Agreement.

Eligible vs. Non-Eligible Public Safety Projects and Expenses

The following table lists examples of both eligible and non-eligible public safety projects. This table is not exhaustive and is provided for informational purposes. Eligibility means that grant funds can be spent on these items or areas. The Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs reserves the right to amend project eligibility criteria at any time. Eligible projects are subject to approval by the Office of Neighborhood & Community Affairs.

Eligible Projects/Expenses	Non-Eligible Projects/Expenses
Senior Citizen home safety programs	Street Lights
Youth Crime Prevention projects or programs	Electronic Surveillance Equipment, including security cameras
Volunteer Patrol Programs	Weapons of any type, including pepper spray, firearms, etc.
National Night Out Celebrations (food costs cannot exceed $250)	Security gate installation or maintenance
Family safety training and activities	Salaries or payments to law enforcement officials
Youth anti-violence programs	Smoke detectors (contact Orlando Fire Department)
Neighborhood crime prevention programs	Citizen Observer Programs (contact OPD)
Drug prevention programs	T-shirts
Fire prevention programs	Unsustainable projects that lack OPD Security Surveys
Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.) training	Expenditures not approved in the project budget
Graffiti removal on common property or structures	Neighborhood Watch (contact Orlando Police Department)

Selection Criteria

Each project will be evaluated on the basis of how well it demonstrates the MNMG program’s main purpose of improving neighborhoods by addressing a specific need or concern.

CRITERIA	POINTS	EXPLANATION
Supports Mayor’s Neighborhood Matching Grant philosophy and mission	20 points	The activities and programs described in the project proposal are designed to address public safety, physical improvements and/or educational or cultural initiatives within the City of Orlando. The activities and expenditures fall within the guidelines of what is eligible for funding. Extra points will be awarded for projects that support the City’s Green Works and Public Safety initiatives.
Community Partnerships	20 points	Application includes Letters of Intent for in-kind donations such as supplies, equipment, space or professional services, which describe their donations and state the market value. Value of match exceeds the minimum required. Proposed match is well documented and ready to expend.
Community Involvement	20 points	Project involves broad-based neighborhood participation, with a significant number (at least 7) of neighborhood organization residents involved in carrying out the project. Also, volunteers have committed to planning and implementing the project.
Benefit to Neighborhood	20 points	Project provides a public benefit to the neighborhood and directly involves the neighborhood residents in all phases. The project or activity takes place within the boundaries of the neighborhood, except when donated space is located outside the neighborhood.
Project Planning	20 points	Well-planned, cost-effective and ready for implementation; shows a clear and reasonable vision for sustaining the project and resulting improvements. Proposed activities are an innovative response to a recognized problem. Grant application is complete.
Budget	20 points	Budget accurately depicts revenues, expenses, the neighborhood organization’s match, and sufficiently justifies the amount of grant funds being requested. Expenses are itemized, specific, and necessary for project implementation. At least three written estimates from established vendors are submitted for expenses of $250 or more. Met or exceeded match amount according to grant funds requested.
	120	Total Possible Points

Competitive Application Tips

Consider these tips to help you complete a competitive application.

• Identify needs in the community and be able to describe them specifically. Research and define a need for this project in the community or neighborhood. Support this need with evidence, such as tests, surveys or research. Describe any needs or concerns of the neighborhood.
• Define goals. What impact do you want to make on the community? What is the goal of the idea or project? What kind of change do you expect to happen?
• Plan for community participation before you develop the application. This will build support for the project. Consider contacting high school or college students who need to earn service learning hours in order to graduate. Research Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops who may be interested in earning badges to work with the group on a project.
• Gain property owner’s permission and City guidance. If the project involves the use of property the organization does not own, get written permission from the owner, e.g., Orange County Public Schools, City of Orlando Families, Parks and Recreation, or a private property owner. In the funding application, it is important that you clearly describe the “benefit” the City will receive as it considers the project for the grant award.
• Research regulations. Many projects require permits, insurance, background checks (if working with children) or design review before proceeding. Find out what regulations and permits apply to the project.