Neighborhood Small Grants

The Neighborhood Small Grant Program provides funds for small-scale neighborhood improvements or enhancements as identified by registered neighborhood groups. Registered groups can apply by completing the small grant application below.  The maximum grant allowable per request for an eligible project is $2,500, with a maximum of $2,000 allowed for eligible neighborhood based clean up events.

The cumulative grant limit within a fiscal year (July 1-June 30) is $5,000.  Applicants must contribute volunteer hours up to 25% of the grant request (the current value of volunteer time can be found here).  Any request exceeding $1,000 requires a dollar for dollar (1:1) match.  Full program guidelines can be read in the Small Grant Manual here.

1. GROUP/ASSOCIATION REGISTRATION - Is your group registered with the City of Champaign’s Neighborhood Services Department?(Required)

YES - If YES, proceed with application (please note group will also need to complete the City’s online Vendor Self Service registration in order to receive reimbursement under the Small Grant Program)

No - If NO, Contact Neighborhood Services for a registration form and return it with this completed application

2. NAME OF THE GROUP/ASSOCIATION:(Required)

3. PROJECT CONTACT – The Project contact is responsible for signing the completed application. Please provide the name, address, phone number, and email address of the group member who will be the contact for the project if it is funded:(Required)

4. NEIGHBORHOOD LEADER - Please provide the name and phone number of your group's leader (if different from Project Contact)(Required)

5. PROJECT/EVENT DESCRIPTION – Describe the project, including name and location of project/event, purpose or opportunity addressed by the project, and anticipated outcome of project. Has project/event been proposed to the entire group/association? If so, list date of meeting. If not, how did/will you market the project to the group? Describe how the project/event was selected and how group/association members were involved in selecting the project, and the level of support for the project/event? Explain how individual volunteers will be involved in implementing the project/event.(Required)

6. PROJECT/EVENT SCHEDULE – List the anticipated start date, time, and ending date for your project.(Required)

7. ESTIMATED PROJECT BUDGET – List what goods or services your group plans to purchase for the project. Include all materials, supplies , equipment rentals and services with vendor or store name and costs. Indicate if you will borrow items from the NSD Engagement Trailer for your event.(Required)

8. NEIGHBORHOOD CONTRIBUTION – Please list any monetary contributions, in-kind donations, and volunteer labor that the neighborhood will contribute toward the project costs listed above. As a reminder, a dollar-for dollar cash match is required for any grant amount over $1000.00.(Required)

TOTAL REQUESTED FROM THE CITY OF CHAMPAIGN - Enter the total amount requested from the City(Required)

9. NEIGHBORHOOD SMALL GRANT PLEDGE OF VOLUNTEER HOURS - Enter the name and address of each volunteer assisting in the planning and implementation of your event or project.(Required)

10. VOLUNTEER HOURS - Enter total volunteer hours and total volunteer value (hours X current volunteer hourly rate $34.00=total volunteer value). Note: Volunteer hours should add up to at least 25% of the grant request.(Required)

FOR SOCIAL EVENTS HELD IN CITY STREETS - Please note neighborhood block events, party registrations and outdoor music requests must submit a special event application a minimum of ten (10) days prior to the date of the event. Private party applications shall be submitted five (5) days prior to the event. All other permit requests must be submitted at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of the event. The time period shall be counted to exclude the day the application is submitted and the day the special event will begin. A late fee of $20 per day shall be assessed for applications submitted after the applicable deadline and for which a permit is subsequently submitted. Questions? Contact: Sgt. Justin Prosser, Police Department | [email protected] | 217-403-698. Complete the special event application online: City of Champaign Special Event Application NOTE: The small grant application will not be approved until the special event permit has been completed. Enter the event location and special event permit number below. Enter N/A if your event will not be held in the City street.(Required)

FOR SOCIAL EVENTS HELD IN PARKS - Please note that groups of 25 or more wishing to utilize a park should complete an application for a park use permit. Park use permits require additional fees and insurance coverage may be required for any type of use. Hosting, and/or inviting others to participate in food giveaway(s) and other items constitutes a Park Permit requiring a Health Permit, additional fees, and insurance to the district. NOTE: Applications must be submitted at least 3 WEEKS PRIOR to the event. Questions? Please email [email protected]. Complete the park use permit online: Champaign Park District Park Use Permit https://champaignparks.org/rental-information/park-pavilion-rentals/ NOTE: The small grant application will not be approved until the park use permit has been completed. Enter the name of the park location, the park use permit number, and indicate whether the Park District is requiring insurance. If insurance is required, a copy of the insurance certificate must be provided before the small grant application can be approved. Email the insurance certificate to [email protected]. Enter N/A if your event will not be held in a park.(Required)

FOR NEIGHBORHOOD CLEAN UP EVENTS - Neighborhood groups are responsible for the complete planning and implementation of their clean up event. This includes securing dumpster or hauling service, advertising the event, monitoring the event, ensuring all participants adhere to rules regarding proper disposal of items, and ensuring no items are left on any public street or right of way as well as properly disposing of any items that are not collected or hauled away. Neighborhood groups are to deal solely with the company they contract should there be any issues with the service provided. Enter the name of the dumpster service contracted, the number of dumpster contracted, and where the dumpster will be placed. If dumpster will be placed on the street, a right of was permit is required. (NOTE: neighborhood group must obtain a permit for placing the dumpster on the street from the Public Works Department. They can be reached at 217-403-4700. The application cannot be approved unless a permit has been obtained). If the dumpster will be placed in a private driveway or on private property, the property owner will need to complete a dumpster placement agreement. Enter the name, address, and phone number of the property owner agreeing to have the dumpster placed on their property. They can contact Neighborhood Services at 217-403-7070 or [email protected] to obtain a dumpster placement agreement to complete and sign. Enter N/A if you are not hosting a neighborhood clean up event.(Required)

After the application is completed and submitted, we will review the application to ensure it meets the requirements for the small grant program. We will contact you if we need additional information. If your application is complete, we will send you a small grant agreement to sign. Your small grant application will not be approved until the signed grant agreement has been returned.(Required)

DIGITAL SIGNATURE - By checking this box I affirm I am a resident of, or group leader for, the above mentioned neighborhood group.

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