The City of Fort Wayne is offering the Neighborhood Pride Grant Program, a pilot initiative designed to help neighborhoods establish a distinct identity through branding strategies and signage. This program aims to foster a sense of pride and community within neighborhoods by providing funding for the creation and installation of metal medallion signage on city-owned light poles. The grant also supports branding projects that may include the development of logos, color palettes, fonts, and taglines, which neighborhoods can use for promotional activities. The City will manage the procurement process, ensuring that selected vendors are utilized for the signage and branding efforts.
The primary purpose of the Neighborhood Pride Grant Program is to enhance neighborhood identity and pride through effective branding and signage. By providing financial support for these initiatives, the City of Fort Wayne seeks to encourage community engagement and foster a stronger sense of belonging among residents. The program is particularly focused on neighborhoods that are organized and have active participation from their members.
Funding from the grant will cover the costs associated with the design, fabrication, and installation of signage on city-owned properties. Neighborhoods will not be required to obtain their own quotes or select vendors, as the City has established a service agreement with designated sign fabricators and installers. Additionally, neighborhoods that lack existing branding may receive assistance in developing new branding elements, which will be owned by the City but can be utilized by the neighborhoods for their promotional needs.
Eligible applicants for the Neighborhood Pride Grant include neighborhood associations, with a preference for those that are well-organized, hold regular meetings, and have active bylaws and elected officers. This focus on organized neighborhoods aims to ensure that the funding is directed toward communities that demonstrate a commitment to collaboration and engagement.
Submission requirements for the grant are not explicitly detailed in the provided information. However, interested parties are encouraged to visit the City of Fort Wayne's website for further details and guidance on the application process. It is advisable for applicants to prepare any necessary documentation that demonstrates their neighborhood's organization and engagement.
The evaluation criteria for the grant have not been specified, but it is likely that applications will be assessed based on the level of community involvement, the clarity of the proposed branding strategy, and the potential impact on neighborhood identity. The timeline for the grant application process indicates a deadline of October 16, 2024, for submissions.
For additional information or inquiries regarding the Neighborhood Pride Grant Program, interested parties can contact Bernadette Fellows at the City of Fort Wayne via email at bernadette.fellows@cityoffortwayne.org. This grant opportunity represents a valuable chance for neighborhoods in Fort Wayne to enhance their identity and foster community pride through effective branding and signage initiatives.
