Chandler’s Annual Jump Start Grant Program provides funding of up to $1,000 to registered neighborhoods within the City. The Annual Jump Start Grant Program empowers resident leaders, promotes resident participation, and improves the quality of life in Chandler neighborhoods. The grant is designed to assist in strengthening and sustaining the social network of the Chandler community through education and neighborhood enhancement.
Registered Neighborhoods may apply for the grant more than one time as long as at least 12 months have elapsed from the last grant award. The number of grants awarded is subject to available program funding. The grants are intended to spur small grassroots community efforts and help improve the quality of life of each neighborhood through resident involvement. It is an opportunity for residents to learn the value of community and how neighborhood partnerships can be effectively invested to support strong and stable neighborhoods.
Under the Annual Jump Start Grant Program, the City may provide a grant award not to exceed $1,000 for a neighborhood to implement eligible project activities. Depending on the project scope and type, homeowners’ association (HOA) may be required to match up to 50% of the cost of the project or the awarded amount, whichever, is greater.
No grant funds shall be paid out by the City toward a project without receipt of documentation evidencing payment by the HOA of its proportionate share of the project costs (cash match). Traditional neighborhoods will be required to coordinate project activities with Neighborhood Programs’ staff to ensure payment for services or project costs.
To be considered for an award, applicants shall comply with each of the following requirements:
- The applicant shall be the individual representing the neighborhood as a leader acting for and on behalf of the neighborhood of which he or she is a part.
- The neighborhood represented by the neighborhood leader must be a Registered Neighborhood with the City of Chandler Neighborhood Programs Division.
- The project for which an award is sought shall fall within the eligible project categories identified below. If a project is not listed and you are unsure if it would qualify under an “Eligible Category,” please contact the Neighborhood Programs Office at 480-782-4348.
- Neighborhoods applying for an Annual Jumpstart Grant should not have an active HOA Matching Grant or Traditional Grant.
- A completed written application in such form as may be required by the City and signed by the applicant for and on behalf of the neighborhood shall have been submitted to the Division.
- The applicant shall submit documentation required by Arizona law to obtain a state or local public benefit.(See A.R.S. § 1-502, eff. 11-24-09)
Three project categories are eligible under the Annual Jump Start Program. There must be a minimum of 10 participating neighborhood residents for a grant award. The categories are:
- Neighborhood Education and/or Community Building Activity
• Education of a board and/or community, leadership classes and/or mediation training, etc.
• Printing of flyers and brochures in both black/white and color. A cost estimate for printing costs and a mailing can be provided through the Neighborhood Programs Office staff at 480-782-4348. - Neighborhood Clean-Up
• Materials for a small neighborhood clean-up (e.g., roll-off dumpster, water, trash bags and gloves) - G.A.I.N. Event
• Neighborhood Groups may use up to $100 to assist with the implementation of a G.A.I.N. event. - Neighborhood Safety
• Neighborhood Block Watch signs must be approved by the Chandler Police Department, through the Crime Prevention Officer.
• Crime Prevention programs and activities are encouraged in order to increase resident knowledge in neighborhood crime deterrence and to create an awareness of neighborhood safety. Project examples include self-defense classes, stranger danger, home security, etc.
The grant award is payable to the vendor for the benefit of the neighborhood group only upon completion of the project. The project must be completed within 12 months from the award date. For a Neighborhood Education project, a copy of the sign-in sheet must be submitted to the City prior to payment to the vendor. The 12-month period is a maximum “time” period; many projects can and should be completed in a shorter time frame.
If you have any questions regarding the grant application or process, please call the Office of Neighborhood Programs at 480-782-4348. Thank you for your interest in the Annual Jump Start Grant Program and in your desire to make a difference in your neighborhood and the community.