Bing Neighborhood Grants

Criteria

Neighborhood improvement projects within the municipal limits of the City of Belle Isle proposed by a group of homeowners or by neighborhood or homeowners’ associations within the registered and operating limits of the City of Belle Isle shall be considered and eligible for funding under this program. 

• Be located or take place within the boundaries of the city or its contiguous right of way within Belle Isle City limits.
• Provide a public benefit to the neighborhood;
• Shall not endorse or promote any religious or political affiliation or beliefs;
• Involve neighborhood residents directly in all phases;
• Be limited to capital improvements, and not the association’s operating expenses or budget, or fees and costs of consultants, attorneys or accountants, or any other professional services (costs of consultants, attorneys or accountants or any other professional services are considered in-kind as stated in 2.n., below);
• Not conflict with or modify existing or proposed public improvement projects (Curb, sidewalk, drainage structures or pipes, utilities) unless approved by the City Manager or City Council:
• Represent the neighborhood property owners;
• Designate a person, association, or responsible entity to perform the administration and maintenance for the next ten years.
• Not counting the maintenance effort as part of the applicant’s match. It is NOT the intent of this grant program for the City to provide or pay for future maintenance;
• Be able to award a construction contract within 1 month of grant allocation approval by City Council;
• Provide a 50/50 match of the total cost of the project, including cash, volunteer effort, materials, or any combination (based upon availability);
• Provide project cost estimate and project schedule. Petitioners must use Orange County estimate forms;
• Include a signed letter of agreement with the City, assuming all liability, insurance, maintenance, and holding the city harmless; the letter of agreement will provide the applicant with the city’s acceptance of the project and confirmation of project grant allocation;
• Consider in-kind contributions received by the neighborhood as part of the project cost at full market value. Such contributions shall include items of the total project cost when provided by residents possessing specific skills as an in-kind contribution (i.e., a licensed plumber providing plumbing work at a discounted rate or at no charge; a lawyer rendering legal services; a surveyor providing survey work. Non-skilled labor contributions can benefit the project at the minimum hourly wage. Federal labor and wages will apply;
• Neighborhood improvement grants shall be limited to the budgeted amount per District per year (see Adopted Budget); however, the amount of funds available will be determined by the City Council at the adoption of the annual City Budget.  A District Commissioner may agree to hold over any spending from one year to the next year;
• Prior to receiving a grant through this program, Applicants shall make every effort to secure funding from Orange County neighborhood grants before their application is considered. Grants are limited to one per year per neighborhood group.