LETF Funding for National Night Out in Florida

The Law Enforcement Trust Fund (LETF) administered by the Melbourne Police Department in Melbourne, Florida, provides financial support to not-for-profit organizations seeking to host National Night Out community events. This initiative aligns with the broader goals of the LETF, which include supporting programs focused on drug abuse education, prevention, and treatment, as well as general crime prevention and fostering safe neighborhoods. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign designed to promote partnerships between police and the communities they serve, and for 2025, it is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, October 7, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The LETF funding for National Night Out is specifically intended to assist organizations with hosting block parties or other community-centered events in conjunction with the national campaign. All funded activities must directly benefit residents of the City of Melbourne. The fund underscores a commitment to equal opportunity by requiring that applicant organizations adhere to inclusive values, ensuring services are provided regardless of race, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, age, or socioeconomic status. To be eligible for this funding, applicants must be registered not-for-profit organizations. Additionally, any organization already receiving funding from other City of Melbourne sources, such as the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) or the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, may be disqualified from LETF consideration. However, the city permits organizations to utilize one funding source for different types of activities if applicable. Each applicant may receive a maximum of $3,500 under this funding opportunity. The application process requires submission of a letter of intent outlining the proposed use of LETF funds. Applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, July 11, 2025. The application window opens on Monday, June 30, 2025. Interested organizations may submit their applications either by hand-delivery to the Melbourne Police Department at 250 West NASA Blvd., Melbourne, FL 32901, or via email to Commander Shawn Eising at shawn.eising@mlbfl.org. Awardees must enter into a formal contract with the City of Melbourne prior to receiving funds and must provide documentation justifying the intended use of funds. No explicit application questions or forms are listed, but the focus on a letter of intent suggests the process is narrative in nature, centered on organizational purpose, planned community engagement, and specific activities proposed for National Night Out. The fund does not appear to require matching contributions from applicants. The City of Melbourne has not disclosed whether this is a recurring grant, but the annual nature of National Night Out implies the possibility of future iterations. For more information, prospective applicants can contact Commander Shawn Eising at the Melbourne Police Department by phone at (321) 608-6519 or by email at shawn.eising@mlbfl.org.