The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation today announced the beginning of the application process for the Community Enhancement Fund Program. Non-profit organizations are invited to submit applications by November 10, 2006 Guidelines and application materials for the competitive funding process are available on the LMDC’s website at www.renewnyc.com under Funding Initiatives.
The LMDC will provide up to $45 million for programs and projects that will support and enhance community activities and programs available to residents, workers and the greater downtown community. The LMDC’s Board of Directors authorized the establishment of the Community Enhancement Fund at the September meeting to continue the LMDC’s successful revitalization efforts south of Houston Street.
The program was developed as a result of community needs articulated by the public at nearly 80 LMDC-sponsored public meetings, in thousands of written comments, unsolicited funding proposals, as well as needs advocated by community representatives and organizations.
To be eligible, an application must:
- be submitted by a not-for-profit organization;
- provide for community facilities or programs in Lower Manhattan that are designed to support education, employment, and health care services, and/or recreational or community gathering needs.
- be fiscally and programmatically viable for the applicant organization.
Funding proposals will be evaluated based on the completeness of the application, meeting eligibility requirements, as well as the following factors:
- Existing facilities and programs – current population served and related needs as well as projected additional beneficiaries
- New facilities and programs – existing needs and projected beneficiaries
- Scope and status of project – budget and schedule, other funding or support, and overall capacity to proceed
- Project viability – organizational, managerial, and fiscal viability, including capacity to sustain operations over time
- History of applicant – organizational mission, leadership and staff
The LMDC’s allocation and expenditure of HUD CDBG funds is subject to federal and state regulations and requirements, including, but not limited to, environmental review and auditing procedures. All Community Enhancement Fund allocations are subject to the execution of a definitive funding agreement
