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1. What is a Neighborfest and may I use CIG funds for other projects?

A Neighborfest is a locally organized gathering, also known as a block party, that offers neighbors the chance to come together, have fun, and build a stronger, more connected community. Neighborfests are unique because at the heart of each event is a table top activity called “Map Your Resilientville” that allows you and your neighbors to work with City staff, and/or local community organizations, such as the Red Cross, to conduct a disaster preparedness activity for your neighborhood.

In addition to the CIG Program funding, your neighborhood will receive the following for hosting a Neighborfest event:

• A Neighborfest Toolkit that walks you step-by-step through the Neighborfest planning process;
• Assistance and support provided by trained Neighborfest volunteers; and
• Tools to develop a basic neighborhood disaster plan, including asset mapping to keep, store and use in the event of a disaster.

Most of all, through Neighborfest, your neighborhood will have the opportunity for neighbors to get to know each other, strengthen existing relationships, nurture community cohesion and ultimately become better prepared to respond and support each other during and after an emergency.

CIG funds may be used to for a specific community improvement project, but the project must take place within a Neighborfest event. Projects may include: creating a community or school garden; installing a memorial bench; painting a mural; crosswalk or other approved street art; or a neighborhood cleanup project.

2. What is the goal of this program?

The goal of the Community Improvement Grant Neighborfest Program is to empower residents to host great community produced events that will result in greater community cohesion and connectedness among neighbors. Research has shown that the more connected neighbors are to each other, the stronger their resilience is after an emergency:

• “The strength of relationship between neighbors is an indicator of how well communities adapt in an emergency”[1] and how quickly they recover.
• “Residents who live in neighborhoods where they feel connected to those around them are more likely to survive times of stress.”[2]

In other words, neighbors are more willing to check on each other and help each other during a disaster if they’ve already developed social relationships. In addition, residents who map out an emergency plan with their neighbors are more likely to be able to respond effectively during a disaster.

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[1] Guenther, D. Social Cohesion: The Root of Resilience. Feb. 2016. Mithun. http://mithun.com/2016/02/09/social-cohesion-root-resilience/.

[2] Professor Daniel Aldrich, PhD, North Easter University.

3. Who may apply?

Neighborhood groups, including neighborhood associations, homeowner associations, and less formal groups, may apply for funding to hold a Neighborfest event and to implement a project or activity during their Neighborfest event. Neighborhood partners such as nonprofits, service clubs, community organizations, and schools may also apply to host a Neighborfest event within the Santa Rosa city limits. Applicants do not have to have an established organization to apply for the funds; any large or small group of neighbors or community members who want to host a Neighborfest event where they live can apply for these grants.

4. What are the different funding levels?

There are two different types of funding levels for this grant program:

Tier 1

Under Tier 1, applicants may apply for up to $2,500 in grant funds. Projects for Tier 1 funding must meet the following requirements:

• Must hold a Neighborfest event (focused on a small set of neighborhood blocks)
• A physical improvement activity or project (e.g. community garden creation or upgrade, mural painting, memorial bench installation, etc.) may take place during the event, but is not required.

Tier 2

Under Tier 2, applicants may apply for up to $5,000 in grant funds. Projects for Tier 2 funding must meet the following requirements:

• Must hold a Neighborfest PLUS event (several neighborhoods joined together for a community-wide event) OR
• A Neighborfest event with a physical improvement activity or project (e.g. community garden creation or upgrade, mural painting, memorial bench installation, etc.) that must take place during the Neighborfest event.

5. What are the 2020 Neighborfest dates?

Applicants will be asked to select from the following list of dates to hold their Neighborfest. Please note, all dates are subject to change.

• June 6, 27
• July 11, 18
• August 15, 22, 29
• September 12, 19, 26
• October 17, 24

6. What expenses are eligible for reimbursement through the CIG Program Grant?

Eligible Grant Expenses include contractor fees, supplies, equipment rentals, permit and insurance fees or costs, other permits related to the project, project supplies and materials, tools, and/or food (see Appendix A for a sample budget).

Costs that are not reimbursable by CIG funds include:

• Costs incurred prior to grant award;
• Indirect costs, ongoing operational costs, or overhead business expenses like rent, mortgage payments, property taxes, utilities, or office supplies;
• Ongoing maintenance, upkeep, landscaping and repairs;
• Fundraising;
• Staff salaries;
• Membership dues;
• New business seed money;
• Individual training or education; and
• Travel

7. What is a grant match and how much is required?

CIG funds must be matched by funds from other sources that meet or exceed your grant request. These may be actual funds or in-kind donations (e.g. donated supplies, volunteer hours, etc.).  All projects MUST demonstrate a minimum 1:1 match. For example, a project requesting a $500 grant must have a minimum of $500 in matching funds, for a total project budget of $1,000. The maximum grant amount is $2,500 for Tier 1 projects and $5,000 for Tier 2 projects. However, there is no maximum match funds amount. Please make sure to list all actual funds or in-kind donations going into your project.

8. What are eligible matching funds?

Donated cash, labor, materials or equipment (or any combination) qualifies as matching funds. This includes volunteer hours. Materials should be valued at market rate, equipment should be based on actual rental rates, and volunteer labor should be valued at $22.14 per hour per person.

9. What are the eligibility criteria for the grant application evaluation?

• The Community Improvement Grant Program is designed to support community building, strengthen neighborhoods, and build relationships among residents through the Neighborfest Program.
• Volunteers and project partners are a significant component of this process. Applications should reference the partnering organizations, individuals, and associations who are involved in the project. If there are questions about possible partnerships, contact your CAB representative for information before completing this application. You can find your representative on the CAB webpage (www.srcity.org/CAB) or by calling (707) 543-4696.
• Projects must have clear neighborhood and community support. Projects should demonstrate this support and what value the project will add to the community. Support may be demonstrated through letters of support or petitions. You will need a minimum five (5) volunteer neighbors to serve on the Neighborfest Planning Committee for your neighborhood.
• The budget should be well thought out, reasonable, and realistic. Applicants are encouraged to explore other supplemental funding sources to show diverse support for the project.
• Your neighborhood must list its top three Neighborfest date choices (see Page 3 for a list of dates).
• Projects should reflect environmental consciousness regarding materials, energy, and conservation.
• Community Improvement Grants (CIG) can best serve the community by making each Neighborfest event as broadly accessible as possible. This means creating opportunities for people of all abilities and thinking expansively about how to be widely inclusive, welcoming, and collaborative. All Neighborfest events funded by the CIG grant program need to meet these requirements.
• Any additional projects or activities occurring within the Neighborfest event that are funded through the CIG Program must comply with City of Santa Rosa regulations, policies, and codes. Please contact Community Engagement (communityengagement@srcity.org) staff if you have specific questions about whether or not your project complies with City regulations, policies, and/or codes.
• Any additional projects or activities occurring within the Neighborfest event that are funded through the CIG Program should align with City Council goals and priorities (https://srcity.org/2476/Mission-Vision-Values-Goals-Priorities).
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. In addition, applications must be submitted by the deadline (January 6, 2020 by 4:00pm). The application will not be considered if it is submitted after the deadline has passed. If you need to turn in an application early, please contact Danielle Garduño, Community Engagement Coordinator, at dgarduno@srcity.org.
• If an applicant was awarded a grant in the previous cycle, they are not eligible for funding in the current cycle. There must be a one-year break between awards.
• Only one application per neighborhood group or community partner organization will be accepted.