The Long Beach Development Services Department (Department) is now seeking proposal applications from established Long Beach neighborhood associations for grants of up to $10,000 to support public service programs within designated areas of the City and for micro grants of up to $1,500 to host neighborhood events or improvement projects citywide.
“We are proud to create new opportunities to empower the dedicated neighborhood associations that work diligently to strengthen and better our community,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “These grant programs reflect our investment in the fabric of our diverse neighborhoods.”
A total of $250,000 is available for the two new grant programs, which will be facilitated by the Department’s Housing and Neighborhood Services Bureau and funded by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in addition to the City’s General Funding.
“We are thrilled to work closely with local neighborhood associations to celebrate and strengthen our neighborhoods,” said Meggan Sorensen, housing and neighborhood services bureau manager. “We look forward to receiving creative and uplifting proposals from potential recipients.”
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Neighborhood Grant Program
This program will award at least 15 grants of up to $10,000 each to qualified applicants for an approved public service program or project within select lower-income areas of the city known as CDBG-eligible neighborhoods (see eligibility location map). There is a total of $150,000 available for these grants, which are aimed at helping improve neighborhood conditions, collaborations and revitalization efforts.
The CDBG Neighborhood Grant Program application along with documentation and other requirements, which include having a tax ID number or fiscal agent, can be found online at longbeach.gov/hudgrants. The deadline to apply is Thursday, August 24, 2023. Completed applications can be submitted via email to NSB@longbeach.gov. Eligible applications not selected for funding will be placed on a waitlist and could receive funding should selected projects be canceled or withdrawn.
Neighborhood Micro Grant Program
This program will award approximately 67 grants of up to $1,500 each to established neighborhood associations anywhere in the City with a history of neighborhood involvement. Eligible organizations must have a tax ID number or fiscal agent.
There is a total of $100,000 available for the micro grants, which can be used in support of neighborhood improvement projects and/or special events citywide. Eligible projects may focus on one or more of the following areas: blight reduction, financial or employment events and projects that improve neighborhood spirit, collaboration and revitalization efforts. These activities can also include crime awareness, fair housing and health/mental health services.
Micro Grant Program applications are available at longbeach.gov/nmgp and will remain open until all funding is committed. Completed applications can be submitted via email to NSB@longbeach.gov.
Those interested in applying to either program are strongly encouraged to attend an in-person or virtual workshop, hosted by City staff, to learn more about eligibility and the application process. The workshops will feature similar presentations and applicants are not required to attend both events. Interpretation services will be available upon request using the RSVP links at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting.
The in-person workshop will be held Wednesday, July 26, 2023, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Long Beach Energy Resources Department Auditorium (2400 E. Spring St.). Those interested in attending are requested to RSVP online.
A virtual meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 2, 2023, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and will be conducted via Zoom. Those interested in attending are requested to RSVP online.
The recommendation to allocate funding for neighborhood association microgrants and special events was approved as part of a budget appropriation review by the City Council with a six to three vote in February 2023.
For questions about eligibility or to request a printed application for either program, the public may contact Housing and Neighborhood Services Bureau staff at 562.570.6866 or NSB@longbeach.gov.
About the City of Long Beach
Home to approximately 470,000 people, the multiple award-winning and innovative City of Long Beach offers all the world-class amenities of a large metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods nestled together along the California coast. As a full-service charter city, Long Beach is home to the Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, several museums and theaters, a highly-rated school district, Long Beach Airport, the Port of Long Beach, as well as many award-winning City departments such as Health and Human Services; Parks, Recreation and Marine; Development Services; Public Works and more. The City also has a highly respected university and city college, two historic ranchos, five hospitals, 12 libraries, five golf courses, 169 parks, miles of beaches, marinas, bike paths and a Bike Share program.
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About Long Beach Development Services
Serving residents, businesses and the community at large, the award-winning Long Beach Development Services Department sets a standard for high-quality, innovative urban planning and livability efforts that create more progressive and sustainable communities within the diverse City of Long Beach, CA. Through a variety of development, code enforcement, housing and neighborhood services and building activities, the Department builds a better future for the City while also honoring its unique past. For more information, visit longbeach.gov/lbds. Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.