Delray Beach CRA: Community Sponsorship Grant Program
The Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency approved new guidelines for its Community Sponsorship Grant Program, which offers annual contributions to local community organizations, at the regular meeting held on Thursday May 26th.
The Community Sponsorship Program, which offers grants up to $1,500 a year for programs in the CRA District, was created in 1991 to support community organizations that help further the CRA’s goals and objectives. The program has been modified several times over the years. In 2008, the CRA eliminated funding for special events, focusing instead on organizations that provide ongoing programs.
The newest revision adds a reference to the CRA’s seven Overall Needs, as defined in the City’s Community Redevelopment Plan. Now, applicants must show that their programs help meet the agency’s goals in the removal of slum and blight, land use, economic development, affordable housing, downtown housing, infrastructure, or recreation and cultural facilities.
“There are many organizations that complement our mission, and some of them don’t realize that these funds are available to them,” said CRA Marketing and Grants Manager Elizabeth Butler. “We hope the new guidelines will encourage them to apply.”
To qualify for funding, organizations must be a registered not for profit in good standing with the State of Florida, and must produce a qualified ongoing program within the CRA District. To learn more about the Community Sponsorship Program, or to download a copy of the program guidelines and application, visit the CRA website at www.delraycra.org. For more information email Elizabeth Butler at butlere@mydelraybeach.com or call the CRA office at (561) 276-8640.