Quality of Life Grant Program

The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) administers the Quality of Life Grant Program to support public-oriented projects that promote cultural, recreational, and economic vitality throughout Brownsville, Texas. Since 2003, BCIC has provided over $60.2 million in funding across 270 projects, catalyzing substantial local development and enriching the community through investments in parks, open spaces, entertainment venues, tourism, museums, and key infrastructure. The program serves as a strategic tool for implementing the city’s long-term goals and enhancing the standard of living for residents and the experience of visitors. The Quality of Life Grant Program aligns with BCIC’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan and is designed to advance projects that reflect community values and needs. Its objectives include the expansion of public parks and trails, the enhancement of cultural and historic assets, activation of public spaces, and strengthening of nonprofit and public partnerships that emphasize equity and well-being. Projects supported under the program aim to be inclusive, sustainable, and impactful, fostering economic development through public benefit. Eligible projects must be located within Brownsville city limits and open to the public. They must be shovel-ready, with finalized architectural or engineering plans, and demonstrate both sustainability and readiness for implementation. Applicants may be nonprofits, for-profit businesses, or public entities operating in Brownsville for at least two years. Projects are required to align with the Texas Local Government Code §501.101 and must illustrate how these eligibility requirements are met. Religious institutions and individual applicants are not eligible. Applicants are required to contribute a match of 20% of total project costs, while planning and feasibility grant applicants must provide a 50% match up to $25,000. Matches must consist of cash contributions or other grant funds; in-kind donations and land value do not qualify. Funded projects must fall within one or more priority categories including community infrastructure, public safety and accessibility, education, recreation, environmental sustainability, health and wellness, or economic innovation. Operational costs are not eligible for funding. Funds are disbursed on a reimbursable basis upon submission of appropriate documentation. Projects must commence on or after April 1, 2026, and be completed within one year of agreement signing. To apply, organizations must submit a completed application through the BCIC online portal by the December 1, 2025 deadline. Required documents include a letter of commitment, tax returns, IRS nonprofit determination letter (if applicable), budget details, proof of matching funds, project plans, and supporting visual materials. A 10-slide presentation deck and two letters of support are also required. Once submitted, applications undergo a legal eligibility review followed by a board presentation and vote. Approved applications enter a 60-day public comment period before final City Commission approval. Evaluation is based on community impact, budget strength, strategic alignment, organizational capacity, and project readiness. A minimum base score of 70 out of 100 is required for funding consideration. Bonus points are available for projects incorporating environmental sustainability. Once awarded, recipients must sign a Program Agreement, initiate a pre-project walk-through, and comply with reporting requirements at project completion, six months, and one year. Marketing materials must acknowledge BCIC funding. Projects involving construction must provide bond guarantees. The program is highly structured to ensure public accountability and deliver measurable outcomes for the Brownsville community.

Contact program manager prior to submission; align with strategic plan; prepare complete documentation