Richland County, South Carolina

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Neighborhood Enrichment Grant Program (NEGP)

FY 22-23

About

The Neighborhood Improvement Program (NIP) created the Neighborhood Enrichment Grant Program (NEGP) to provide grants to neighborhood organizations in Richland County. The goal of the NEGP is to promote leadership, independence, and overall improvement within individuals and their community through enrichment projects. The Neighborhood Enrichment Grant Program brings about new changes: tiered funding, no required matches, no required volunteer hours, new project categories, increased project eligibility, more planning resources, and an easier application process. As of June 30th, 2022, the Neighborhood Matching Grant will be terminated.

Neighborhood organizations within Richland County are encouraged to submit applications for the NEGP that focus on at least one or more of the four project categories: Neighborhood Beautification, Community Engagement, Safety & Health, and Leisure. All grants are approved by Richland County Council.

For more information, review the NEGP Guidelines under the 'Resources and Documents' section.

How to Apply

To apply for the Neighborhood Enrichment Grant, download the application below under "Resources and Documents". Applications are preferred to be sent by email to NIP@richlandcountysc.gov or in person at Richland County Administration Building, 2020 Hampton St. Columbia, SC 29204 (1st Floor).

Application Submittal Period (December 1, 2021 - February 6, 2022)

The application submittal period opens on December 1, 2021, at 8:30am. All applications must be received by NIP no later than 11:59 pm on February 6, 2022. Late submissions will not be accepted by NIP staff.

Neighborhood Enrichment Grant Training Sessions

Interested applicants are recommended to attend the Neighborhood Enrichment Grant Training Sessions to help prepare for the upcoming grant cycle. A copy of the NEGP Training PowerPoint will be available soon for those that cannot attend.

This fiscal year, NEGP Training Sessions will be held in person inside the 4th Floor Conference Room at Richland County Administration Building, 2020 Hampton St. unless otherwise stated. Social distancing will take place and masks are required. One-on-One NEGP Training Session phone calls with staff are available upon request. Workshop registration and appointments can be made by contacting staff at NIP@richlandcountysc.gov. See below for dates and times:

November 17th - 2pm-4pm (Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, 2020 Hampton St.)

November 17th - 6pm-8pm (Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, 2020 Hampton St.)

December 1st - 1pm-3pm

December 1st - 6pm-8pm

January 5th - 10am-12pm

January 5th - 6pm-8pm

January 12th - 2pm 4pm

January 12th - 6pm-8pm

NEGP Overview

See the NEGP Guidelines under 'Resources and Documents' for more detailed information.

Funding

The Neighborhood Enrichment Grant Program introduces funding tiers: Tier 1 and Tier 2. Tier 1 funding is for neighborhood organizations that live outside low-to-moderate income areas. Their funding is maxed at $1,500 per fiscal year. Tier 2 funding is for neighborhood organizations that live within Low-to-Medium Income (LMI) areas. Their funding is maxed at $2,500 per fiscal year. See the online interactive Tier Funding Map to determine which tier your neighborhood is eligible for.

Eligible Projects

Eligible projects must provide a public benefit to the neighborhood and its residents, involve neighborhood people directly in all phases, and be achievable before June 30th the following award year. Projects should fit into at least one or more of the following four categories:

Neighborhood Beautification: Projects that improve the overall aesthetic of the neighborhood

Neighborhood Signs
Neighborhood Bulletin Board
Banners/flags in public areas
Placemaking markers/monuments
Park repairs**
Neighborhood Clean-up
Lighting improvements
Bush/Flower Planting*

Community Engagement: Projects that bring the community together

Neighborhood Clean-Up Day
Generational Day
Community Resource Fair
Back to School Drive
Membership Drive
Newsletters & Websites
After School Programs (tutoring, cultural arts, etc.)
Community Gardens

Safety & Health: Projects that improve the safety and health of everyone in the neighborhood

Safety Fair
Surveillance Cameras
Trash Cans/Pet Poop Trash Cans
Community Resource Fair
Gates/Locks
5K marathon
Lighting improvements
Emergency preparedness giveaway
Updating playground equipment
Defense classes
Clean Ups
Community Gardens
Traffic calming methods (i.e. ‘Children at Play’ signs)

Leisure: Projects that are just for fun

NNO
Festivals
Outdoor/Drive In Movie Event
Picnic in the Park
Family Fun Day
Block Parties
Little Free Library

Considerations for specific project types:

*Plants cannot be more than 4 feet tall at maturity

**Park must not be owned by City of Columbia

Ineligible Projects

Examples of ineligible projects include, but are not limited to:

Operating expenses (rent, utilities, salaries, maintenance bills, insurance)
Fundraising
Alcohol
Equipment for businesses/schools/government departments
Funding towards savings accounts
Scholarships
Funding towards schools, public agencies, and other non-profits
Expenses incurred prior to the grant award date
Personal computers and personal computer supplies
Operating budget expenses
Purchasing computers or software materials
Printing on personal computers
Salaries/honorariums
Mailboxes
Monthly maintenance expenses
Home repairs for personal property

Eligible Applicants

Any neighborhood-based organization located in Richland County (incorporated or unincorporated) is an eligible applicant. This includes, but is not limited to:

Neighborhood Associations
Homeowners Associations
Property Owners Associations
Other like neighborhood-based associations and related groups

Ineligible Applicants

Any group that is not a neighborhood-based organization and/or located outside of Richland County is an ineligible applicant. This includes but is not limited to: