Neighborhood Purpose Grant

Steps to Apply:

First, read the NPG Applicant Information Packet to see if you qualify and what is required. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) non-profits as well as public schools. (Please note that grants cannot be issued to religious organizations or to private schools.) More info here: NC Funding Program Policy 2.4.

EVRNC will prioritize applications with proposals that directly benefit Elysian Valley stakeholders and occur within Elysian Valley’s boundaries.

Considerations:

• The budget is realistic and supported with documentation

• The organization or individual is capable of completing the project

• The work plan is detailed, specific, and feasible

• The project is supported by the community

• The number of stakeholders that will benefit from this project

• The project implementation process will build community

• The complete project will enhance the community

Credibility: Does your organization know what it wants to accomplish? What evidence proves that the organization is currently achieving its goals? What kind of reputation does the group enjoy within the community and beyond?

Capability: What skills does the organization’s staff and/or board bring to the project? Are they relevant to the project’s aims? Has your organization succeeded in similar endeavors of equal size and scale to what you are now proposing?

Feasibility: The Neighborhood Council must determine whether the proposal is advancing a worthwhile project built upon a good idea that can be successfully implemented. Is the budget allocated sufficiently to execute the various tasks and strategies described in the proposal?

Importance: Should it be done? Is the project significant? Is there evidence that the proposal will trigger action or work that the community wants? Will it make a difference in the community it purports to aid or resolve the issue it addresses?

Factors to Consider

• Is this a capital improvement project?

  • It should be on public property within the Neighborhood Council’s boundaries or

    provide a demonstrable benefit to its stakeholders, within the City boundaries.

  • There must be coordination with appropriate agencies to secure required additional

    documentation such as permits, authorizations, or agreements, if deemed necessary

    (i.e., Cultural Affairs, Dept. of Transportation, Street Services, Rec & Parks, public

    schools, etc.).

• Is this for program services (i.e. after school program, graffiti removal, etc.)?

  • The applicant must create a fair selection process to establish participants

• Is this for equipment and supplies?

  • Purchases for schools or 501(c)(3) organizations need to ultimately benefit the local community.

• Is this for an event?

  • Events must be open, accessible, free of charge, and advertised to the general public

  • Discuss appropriate liability issues

• Are there issues of potential conflict of interest that need to be addressed?

Ready to Apply?

• If you meet the requirements, the next step is to complete the Fillable NPG Application and submit the following documents to Grants Chair Lauren Barturen:

  • NPG Application, completed and signed

  • Project Budget on a separate sheet that includes an itemized breakdown of the budget, including purpose of each item, details, and quantity

  • Non-Profits 501(c)(3) must submit an IRS Letter of Determination

  • Public schools must submit a letter on official school letterhead, signed by the school Principal

• Please note that the current fiscal year is from July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026, and applications will only be considered for an event or proposal that occurs in that time frame. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. If your application is for an event or involves a deadline, it is recommended to submit an application at least three months in advance to ensure there is enough time.

• The next fiscal year is from July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027 - applications for projects or events that occur in this time frame will be reviewed after July 1st, 2026 and before June 1, 2027 to align with the budget for that fiscal year.

• Once we receive your completed application, if eligible, we will reach out via email and invite you to attend the next Grants Committee meeting. Although not required, it is encouraged for you to attend in order to present your application and answer any questions from the committee. At this meeting, the application will be reviewed by the Grants Committee using the EVRNC Grants Committee NPG Assessment Rubric. The Committee will then vote whether to recommend the application to the General Board.

• If recommended, the application will be voted on at the next calendared General Board Meeting. It is not required for you to attend, but highly encouraged - you will have an opportunity to present and share details of your project to the board and the public.

• After the project has been completed, Grant Awardees are responsible for filling out and sending a NPG Completion Report Form with photos to the Grants Committee Chair - this provides accountability and transparency for the use of the funds awarded, and allows the public and board to track the completion and success of the project.

• We look forward to hearing about your organization and project proposals!

  Any questions? Use the form below to email our Grants Committee Chair, Lauren Barturen (laurenb.evrnc@gmail.com):