Hillsborough County neighborhoods have a chance to apply for mini-grants up to $2,500 to fund projects that could improve their communities and increase civic involvement.
The grant’s purpose is to strengthen neighborhoods, associations and the communities they serve, according to a release. Applications should demonstrate community support in the application and implementation phases of proposed projects, and it should be submitted to the county’s Office of Neighborhood Relations by Aug. 8.
The grants are available to fund a variety of community projects both in unincorporated areas of the county, like in Lutz, as well as the incorporated areas, like New Tampa. There also are grants available year-round for unincorporated Hillsborough for projects like tree-planting, low-flow irrigation and clean-up projects.
Previous projects include shrub and flower planting, subdivision entrance signs, playground equipment, neighborhood festivals, crime watch programs, websites, newsletters, and education activities.
Applications will be reviewed by the Neighborhood Mini-Grant Evaluation Committee, and approved by Hillsborough County commissioners. Winners will be notified by Nov. 30.
Those interested in applying will need to watch an online orientation training video that explains the application process, grant criteria, and qualifying projects before applying. They are available at HillsboroughCounty.org/onr/minigrant.
Completed applications can be dropped off or mailed to Office of Neighborhood Relations, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., 21st Floor, Tampa, FL 33602. They also can be emailed to , or faxed to (813) 276-2621.
The Mini-Grant Program was established in 1988 by the Hillsborough County Commission to improve and revitalize communities, and strengthen neighborhood associations.
