Write a commentThe Oswego Renaissance Association (ORA) is accepting Pre-Applications for their 2015 "Block Challenge Grants." These grants match up the first $10,00 in expenses.
The expenses are for exterior property improvements to groups of 5 to 15 homeowners on a single block -- in targeted neighborhoods throughout the city of Oswego. Block Challenge Grant Pre-Applications must be submitted prior to April 2, 2015.
Visit the ORA webpage www.oswegonyonline.com and look at the map of the targeted neighborhoods. While all applications are considered, neighborhoods that fall inside Target Areas are given special consideration. Applicants must enlist a minimum of 5 neighbors on the same street/block to participate and fill out a simple Pre-Application Form. ORA Representatives are available to help applicants through the process. Once submitted, the pre-application is reviewed and applicants may receive a more detailed Final Application. This Final Application will require detailed plans and a joint meeting with the neighbors and an ORA representative. Final Applications are review by an independent review panel, and awarded blocks are announced in May of 2015.
A minimum of 5 and a maximum of 15 homes can be on one application. Applications along with instructions can be downloaded from the ORA website; www.oswegonyonline.com.
Grant Applications are competitive. Not all applications can be funded, and the number of awards made is dependent upon funding levels and the number and quality of applications. Grants are available to owner occupied homes as well as rentals.
The closer the clusters are grouped and the larger the number of participants the more competitive the application becomes. Clusters that can be geographically "linked" with other participating clusters in your area become even more competitive. And clusters that develop a strategic plan for their neighborhood's continued revitalization in the future will be the most competitive.
