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.) You can find full guidelines and info here: NC Funding Program Policy 2.4.

Please apply at least three months in advance of your event or deadline. 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?

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the fiscal year. In addition, all grant applications must first be approved by the Grants Committee, the General Board, then the Office of the City Clerk, and then the payment must be processed. This can take time - it is therefore recommended to submit applications well in advance of your event or deadline - at least three months.

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.

Next Steps:

1. Grants Committee Approval - 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 on a recommendation to the General Board.

2. General Board Approval - If recommended, the application will be voted on at the next calendared General Board Meeting. It is highly encouraged for the applicant to attend, as there will be an opportunity to present and share details of the project to the board and the public.

3. City Clerk Approval: If approved by the General Board, the next step is for the Office of the City Clerk to review and approve the application, then process the funds to the applicant.

4. Project Completion Report: Please note, the Project Completion Report form is now a mandatory requirement for all successful NPG applications submitted after April 1, 2026. 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):