Here are a few of the most frequently asked about the grant program:

Can an individual receive money from the Neighborhood Connections program?

Individuals are not eligible.

Will grant dollars be distributed evenly among Cleveland neighborhoods and East Cleveland?
When possible, we attempt to provide an equitable share of funding to each neighborhood. However, all grant applications will be reviewed on their merits and some neighborhoods receive a larger share of the money in any one funding round.

Does Neighborhood Connections fund other cities or suburbs outside of Cleveland neighborhoods?
Funding is available for programs or events that take place in Cleveland and in East Cleveland.

How much money will Neighborhood Connections provide to neighborhood projects?
Each year we distribute about $670,000 in two separate rounds with February and August deadlines.

How large are the grants available?
Grants range from $500 to $5,000. All projects require a dollar-for-dollar match in the form of cash, in-kind donated services, or the contribution of materials, supplies, and other program-related donations.

Are there any conditions on grants?
Organizations will be required to match the grant dollars either in outside funding or in-kind services and to complete assessments and evaluation forms as requested by the program.

Is funding available for renovation to a building that houses an organization?
Renovations to dwellings are not in the scope of Neighborhood Connections mission. This falls under the category of personal funding and, therefore, is not eligible.

What are the deadlines for submitting an application?
5 p.m. on the second Fridays in February and August.

Is there a conflict-of-interest policy which prevents members of the Grantmaking and Monitoring Committee from reviewing applications from groups that either they or their family members are involved with?
Yes.

How are the members of the Grantmaking Committee chosen and how long do they serve?
There are typically 18 to 24 members on the Grantmaking Committee representing the diverse skills and knowledge of Cleveland and East Cleveland.

At the end of each year, the committee selects additional alternates, who eventually become full committee members. Cleveland and East Cleveland community groups are asked for nominations each time new members are sought.

How long do Grantmaking and Monitoring Committee members serve?
Each member is appointed to a three-year term. If committee members resign before their term is completed, they are replaced by an alternate. Members can serve a maximum of two 3-year terms.

How can I become a member of the Grantmaking Committee?
Every year, Neighborhood Connections asks neighbors to nominate new committee members. Those selected will first serve as alternates and then will assume positions on the committee. Email us at neighborhoodconnections@clevefdn.org if you know of someone you’d like to nominate.

How long does it take once an application is submitted to go through the approval process and for us to receive funding?
Groups that are awarded funding will be notified approximately 10-12 weeks after submission. Organizations awarded grants will be required to attend a grant recipient orientation session where they will receive information on grant implementation.

Can I get help in putting together a grant application?
Neighborhood Connections will host grantseeker orientation sessions before each grant cycle to review how to complete application forms and answer questions.

Where do I send an application?
Neighborhood Connections
5000 Euclid Avenue
Suite 310
Cleveland, OH 44103

Can you refer me to anyone else for funding?
Click here for other funding opportunities for grassroots organizations. A good resource for both individuals and organizations is the Foundation Center. They do not provide funding themselves, but are well equipped to provide online resources to help grantseekers identify appropriate funders and develop targeted applications. The phone number for the Cleveland office is 216-861-1933.

Do I use the Neighborhood Connections application when applying for arts and cultural funds from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture?

Yes, please use the Neighborhood Connections proposal form.