Do you have a great idea that would help better neighborhoods and improve livability in Kansas City? The city is looking to fund some of those ideas through its new grant program called ReBuild KC Neighborhood Grant program.
So far, the program has had a tremendous response by Kansas City residents, with almost 300 grant applications received. Open to anyone, including individuals, nonprofits, for profits and neighborhood associations, the grant program deadline is March 22.
“Kansas City residents have submitted excellent ideas for neighborhood improvements,” said city manager Brian Platt.
Current applications have pitched diverse projects such as: community gardens, affordable duplexes, home rehab programs, trail network enhancements, jobs & training, park beautification and more.
Funded by the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and administered by the Neighborhood Services Department, ReBuild KC Neighborhood Grants offer funding for a variety of neighborhood improvements, including:
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Affordable Housing, housing improvements, unhoused solutions
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Infrastructure projects and improvements such as sidewalks, sustainable streetscapes, digital access
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Job creation and employment training programs
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Violence prevention and crime reduction programs and initiatives
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Energy sustainability/efficiency programs, such as tree planting, solar or other alternative energy solutions
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Neighborhood resiliency projects/programs
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Other neighborhood and community projects or programs may be considered
The program’s budget is not finalized yet, but $10 million is currently proposed. When the final budget is approved at the end of the month by the city council, the final amount will be announced. The city is trying to add additional funding because of the high number of applications submitted by residents.
Projects must demonstrate they will strengthen partnerships and interactions among community/neighborhood residents, will help improve neighborhood quality and livability and/or will support implementation of an activity advancing economic development.
This initiative is part of newly-appointed Neighborhood Services Department Director Forest Decker’s new vision for the department, with an emphasis on community and neighborhood collaboration and direct support for neighborhood needs, such as beautification, infrastructure and safety.
“We welcome projects of all sizes, whether the ideas are small, such as a tree planting or park bench installation or much larger, like a new building with 500 affordable housing units,” Decker said. “All we ask is that your project clearly demonstrates a benefit to Kansas Citians.”
Once an applicant or organization is awarded funding for their project, they will enter into a contract agreement with the city.
Most projects will be completed within a year of contract execution. The organization will receive grant funds on either a reimbursement basis to cover eligible expenses incurred or on an as-completed basis if the activity is a one-time event or program.
So far, proposals have ranged in requesting $800 to a couple million dollars, but there is no cap for funding. Approved projects could start as early as late spring this year.
Apply here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/KansasCity2/RebuildKCNeighborhoodsGrantProgram.