Building Blocks, Pt. 3

A stack of papers sits unassumingly atop a desk inside a Manhattan skyscraper. Little does that pile know that it will renew hopes and bring dreams and ideas to reality for some Brooklynites.

The pile is approved grants for projects aimed at bettering blocks and neighborhoods in Bed-Stuy and across the city.

Finally, dozens of block associations and other grassroots groups will get the funding they needed for change and growth, and it all started simply as an idea to impact their community for the better. 

"We want it to be considered seed money, and you're going on to doing greater things and making greater connections," says Saleen Shah, associate director of Neighborhood Resources at Citizens Committee for New York City. 

In our " series, we've been telling you more about how are relatively easy to form and can make a huge and lasting impact on the quality of life on the streets you live.

Bed-Stuy has a long history of block associations and the highest concentration of organized block associations in New York City, according to Citizens Committee for New York City. 

Once you and your neighbors have formed goals and projects to improve or transform your block, you'll likely have to put your money where your mouth is to get things done, whether it's a beautification effort, a community garden, a child-centered event or other initiative. Sometimes, member dues can only go so far. 

Block Associations can access grant money. Do you have a great idea for environmental projects, educational and safety initiatives, community enhancements and revitalization? There are non-profit and corporate groups who want to support these projects, but you'll have to do your homework and be diligent throughout the process.

Among the top life lines for micro-grants in New York City are Citizens Committee for New York, Brooklyn Community Foundation, local elected officials giving out discretionary funds and some corporate initiatives.  Each of the above links takes you to their grants pages, outlining the criteria.

At Citizens Committee for New York, there are various grants available for neighborhood initiatives, ranging anywhere from $500 to $3,000, depending on the specific grant and project. 

At Brooklyn Community Foundation, you can receive up to $500 in a micro-grant, and Home Depot offers up to $5,000 for various community ideas.

The first step for any of these options is to find out the facts. "The process is pretty straightforward," says Shah. "We try to take all the mystique out."

NECESSARY CONSIDERATIONS FOR APPLYING FOR GRANTS:

1) Consider the source:

Know the organization you will submit your grant proposal to. Study the eligibility requirements, the type of projects they will fund and the mission of the organization or corporation. Does your project qualify? Does it align with the organizations mission? This information is readily available on most websites or literature from the group.

2) Get educated:

Attend any and all workshops and tutorial events available. For example, Citizens Committee for New York offers free workshops and consultations on community organizing and how to submit a grant proposal.  Most outlets have straight forward applications online. Foundations like Brooklyn Community Foundation disperse more than 4 million dollars a  year and will offer assistance if you need guidance getting a micro grant. 

3) Be specific and follow the rules:

After reading or taking training courses, know if your organization requires you to file for non-profit status with the IRS. Some require it, some don't. Arif Ullah, a Director at the non-profit Citizens Committee for New York City says in many cases, if a block association is not planning major fund-raising, it's not worth it to file 501 (c) 3 status, otherwise known as tax exempt non-profit status. Ullah's group does not require it for grants but many others do so if that is the case, you must embark on turning your block association into a certified non-profit. You can learn more on how to take that step here.  

You will need some type of financial conduit like a bank account, a larger non-profit to handle transactions or a credit union to help get the money. "We don't write checks to individuals," says Ullah.  

One option for block associations is a community development friendly financial institution like The Brooklyn Cooperative Federal Credit Union, suggests Ullah.

4) Housekeeping:

Stay on top of deadlines and milestones as required by the grant you are seeking.  It's also very important to save receipts even when the grant has been provided. Often non-profits require follow-ups to make sure the money was actually spent on what it was meant for. Non-profits get audited every year and will need those project receipts from you. 

5) No Social Calls:

Keep in mind most foundations and corporations won't sponsor block parties, but a local council person may.  Most foundations want to fund projects that will have a lasting effect and better relationships with neighbors and the whole community.

Also, do not be discouraged. If your block association is turned down for a grant, it may be that another grant is a better fit.

You should try a different type of grant and apply again. Stay in close communication with the foundation, because they will be eager to guide you and provide advice for re-writing your application and grant proposal. 

Lastly, assign one or two members as the point-person for the grant application process. Ideally, it should be the president or vice president-- but certainly someone comfortable enough to stay the process.

Timelines vary, but you can find out from some foundations in as little as six weeks, if you've been approved for a grant, or some only notify once a year. You may need to start now considering your projects for next summer.

Continue rocking the block Bed-Stuy and may your grants be granted in order to better our rich community one street at a time. The time and effort spent is well worth the available funds!

Note: This story is the third and final in a three-part series on building a block association. Go here to read the first two stories, and .