October 28, 2016- Michelle Bishop shared highlights from this year’s community grant program with the BOCC on 10/25/16. Bishop, with the county’s Office of Management and Budget, explained that the program supports the community in three areas: economic viability, environmental stability, and strengthening community. Character, value, safety, environment, health, and recreational opportunities are target areas for the program.
Of the ten approved projects, Bishop showed pictures from the aesthetic improvements to the Hernando Beach entrance triangle, the Brooksville Library 5K, People Helping People, a Healthy Lifestyles Conference, and the Dawn Center.
Non-profit organizations in Hernando County may apply for a grant for a short-term project (must be completed between October 1 and July 31) which will have a public benefit. There are four categories for the grants: tourism, environmental preservation, social connections, and healthy/safe lifestyles.
Bishop stated that the county announces the application process and guidelines on their website and via media release (usually between April 1 and June 1). Between July and August, the applications are ranked and the ten highest ranking organizations or projects will be selected. This year, 29 applications were received, but due to the funding limits could only select 10.
The $5,000 grant is a reimbursable grant, Bishop said, which means that the organization must provide receipts/invoices to show that the money was used for the purpose stated in the grant application. Organizations which are awarded a grant may re-apply the next year for a new grant, and will go through the same selection process.
In the next year, a workshop may be scheduled to educate organizations on the process and what the county’s expectations are in terms of the outreach projects. The hope is that more organizations will take advantage of the community outreach grants.