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

Mayor’s Neighborhood Matching Grants

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.
   

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